March 28, 2008
Paul Carey moves the puck up ice against Omaha earlier this season.
In 2007-08, the USHL will give you, the fans, the opportunity to ask questions directly to USHL players. Submit your questions to the league and the chosen player will answer them. This installment, we chat with Indiana forward Paul Carey.
Evan - Indiana
I was wondering, as a major fan that comes to all the games, what is your favorite part of playing for the Ice? You guys have such great team chemistry, what is your overall favorite part of being on a team with so much talent?
There is so much to like about playing for the Ice. We have won a ton of home games this year in front of loud and supportive fans and everyone on the team gets along so well. The loyal fan base in Indianapolis is definitely knowledgeable about the sport of hockey.
Sarah - Iowa
What's your favorite arena to play in besides the Pepsi Coliseum? Which is the toughest arena to play in?
My favorite arena in the league is also my toughest arena in the league. Tri-City has a great arena which can also make it very tough to play in.
Bobby - Massachusetts
Is playing in the Beanpot the main reason why you chose Boston College? If not, why Boston College?
The Beanpot is a plus, but not the main reason that I chose Boston College. I grew up in the Boston area and BC has always been a great team year after year. In my many visits, I have enjoyed being around the coaches and players.
Dave - Iowa
How do you like playing against the Lancers? If you had a choice, who would you like to play in the Clark Cup finals if you get that far?
I definitely like playing against the Lancers. They are a good physical team with lots of skilled players. All four of our games this year were tightly-contested. If we make it to the Clark Cup Finals, I would definitely like to play Omaha.
Thomas - Iowa
First of all, what is it like playing in the USHL? What fans in the league are the loudest? What is your team in the NHL?
This league is definitely a step up from prep school hockey. There is a high-level of competition as the players are faster, bigger and stronger. The loudest fans in the league would definitely have to be the fans here in Indianapolis. My favorite two teams in the NHL are the Colorado Avalanche and the Boston Bruins.
Bill - Indiana
What does it feel like to be the best ice hockey player the Indiana Ice has ever seen? How did you get so amazing at ice hockey?
I can't take all of the credit. I wouldn't say that I'm the best player the Indiana Ice has ever seen. There are many other great players on my team such as Greg Squires, John Kemp, Scott Darling and John Carlson.
Tommy - New York
It looks like hockey is going well out there. Do you like the game atmosphere? Do you like the coach you guys have? How does he compare to the two you had last year at your old school?
Yes, I like the coaching staff. Compared to my past two coaches, they have very similar styles. All of them let us play our games.
Angelique - Colorado
I'm curious as to your reaction when drafted by the Colorado Avalanche this past summer. Were you aware of their interest and what communications, if any, have they made to you this year since being drafted?
Yes, I was aware of Colorado's interest, but I was still very nervous come draft day. I frequently run into the Colorado scouts as they have been to many of my games this season.
Lauren - Indiana
Indianapolis is a city that is pretty set in its ways when it comes to the sports "Hoosiers" watch. Even though hockey isn't a very popular sport, as the season has progressed, the fan support has increased greatly. Is the change in the enthusiasm and support of fans noticeable on the ice? Do you think that the team's success is most responsible for the surge of fans this season?
Yes the crowd enthusiasm is noticeable, especially on Saturday nights. The organization puts on many fun promotions during the games and it also definitely helps to have a winning team. Any time a team is putting up victories more people come out to watch them and their success.
Joe - Massachusetts
My name is Joe Flanagan and I am on Bridget's peewee hockey team. When you were a peewee did you play for Weymouth and did you know you were going to be in the NHL?
No, I played for the South Shore Kings. You never know that you will someday be in the NHL, but it has always been a dream.
Craig - Illinois
What was your most memorable dangle of the season?
Definitely one of my goals in the hat trick I had against Ohio in early March.
Billy - Massachusetts
How much do you bench and squat?
I bench 225 and squat 350.
Nick - Massachusetts
I just wanted to know how you stay in shape over the course of such a long season in the USHL. How often do you lift weights and what do you do to maintain your conditioning?
In addition to our regular on-ice practices, we work out and condition several days throughout the week.
Matt - Connecticut
Congratulations on a great season so far. Can you attribute any of your success to any one person in particular, perhaps a high school coach or someone like that?
My dad and my coaches throughout the years have all attributed to my success. Coach Griff, Coach Donato, Coach Skjodt, and Coach McConnell have all helped me in their own individual ways.
Jon - Iowa
What do you do in the off-season to stay in shape?
I play a lot of basketball and work out with my trainer.
Bridget - Massachusetts
Was Boston College your first choice of schools?
Yes.
Charlie - Iowa
What do you like to do to get ready for a game? Do you have a different routine every game or the same one?
I listen to techno, rap or country music before every game. Then, I stretch and practice my stick-handling in the hallways of the arena.
Zach - Arizona
Did you find that your days at Salisbury playing with a multi-cultural team furthered your experience playing hockey?
Yes. Over the course of all of those years, there were a lot of good quality players and people in the organization.
Neil - Massachusetts
Where do you see yourself in five years in your hockey career? What number do you want to wear at Boston College?
I hope to be in the NHL in five years. I will be wearing #22 for Boston College.
Brian - Massachusetts
When you were 12, how often did you skate? Did you ever think you would be drafted by the pros? P.S. I am Conor Leary's cousin.
I skated four to five times each week. Being drafted into the NHL was definitely always a dream.
Sammy - Iowa
I notice that you are from the same town as Musketeer Mike Keenan. Did you two grow up together? Do you even like Mike?
Yes, I like Mike. I played hockey against him once in a while growing up.
Chad - Massachusetts
Yo, this is Chad. Are you going to pledge this semester?
I'm not sure yet.
Mike - Massachusetts
Hi Paul, I'm Paul Carthas' brother. I want to ask you if you are excited about playing for a great team like BC and if you want to play for Colorado?
I am definitely excited to play for the Eagles. It is in the area of my hometown and has always been a dream to suit up for BC. There is no doubt that I want to play for Colorado. It would be a dream to play on a team with the likes of Joe Sakic, John-Michael Liles, and Paul Stastny.
John - Colorado
Are you as hungry to score goals for the Avs as Ovechkin is for the Caps?
If I could score goals like Ovechkin, that would be unbelievable.
Chris - Iowa
What is the most difficult thing about playing in the USHL?
The most difficult thing about playing in the USHL would have to be the amount of games and traveling. Our team never stays in one city on road trips. We are always on the move after each game.
Earl - Iowa
If you had a choice to play for a USHL team other than Indiana, which one would you pick and why?
I would play for Ohio because it is the farthest team out east and closest to Boston.
Chris - Massachusetts
I'm doing a research project and I'm wondering what you think about hitting late and what do you think the penalty should be for late hitting?
It is definitely dangerous. Penalties should start out at a standard two minute minor, but maybe after you pick up a few more some sort of suspension might be warranted.
Previous Chats
Blake Kessel - Waterloo
Alex Hudson - Tri-City
Doug Jones - Cedar Rapids
Spencer Heichman - Sioux City
