USHL News

July 21, 2008

USHL Player Q&A: Chris Hepp

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, you asked questions to Omaha defenseman Chris Hepp. 

John - Minnesota
Hey Chris.  It's been a full year since you stepped off the college rink. What are the things you are going to take from your game at the junior level and bring to the Huskies to help them to a national title?  Are you excited to reunite with your bud Nick Oslund at St. Cloud next year?

Answer:  John:   I hope after having a lot of experience at the junior level that I am prepared physically and mentally, and that I can bring the hard-working, hard-nosed style of hockey that the Lancers are known for, to help the Huskies go all the way.  And yes, I can't wait to play hockey with my buddy and fellow Burnsville boy, Nick Oslund. 

Chris - Iowa
Chris, as a hockey fan it gets frustrating when a few of the players talk to the press and say things that should be left on the ice.  As a player and the captain how do you feel about that? And congratulations on the Clark and Anderson Cups.

Answer:  Chris, I feel that the media is not a place to bash other players or make outlandish comments, in general, the only time the media should report negativity is if you are talking about your own team as a whole and not individual players.  Problems with individuals is something that should be taken care of on an individual basis, in the locker room, it is not a public forum/matter.  Thanks.

Chris - Iowa
Chris, firstly it was a joy to watch you this year.  I know you had a tough season, as you have year in and year out.  What cherished memories are you taking with you from your time with the Lancers?  Who did you most enjoy playing against?
Thank you Chris and good luck with the Huskies.

Answer:  Chris, Obviously this year's Clark and Anderson Cup Championships will be something that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life, but besides that I made a lot of great friends during my time with the Lancers and those friendships above all else are what I will take with me always.  Every team in the West Division, especially, was a very intense rivalry, but I would say that it was probably Lincoln, our most intense rivalry, that made for the most fun games to play in.

Casey - Nebraska
I would like to thank you for leading the Lancers to the cup.  I feel like your leadership and dedication really was the difference maker.  You have the heart of a champion.  My family will miss you terribly as you seem like part of the family after all these years here.  I want to also thank you for being such a gentleman and taking the time to take a picture with my 2-year-old daughter after game five.  Good luck as you move on.  We will follow your career wherever you go and cheer for you always.

Answer:  Casey, Thanks very much, take care.

Eric - Nebraska
Hey Chris, I've been a lancer fan for ten or so years, and I want to know how it feels to win a title after four years.  Is that why you came back two years ago, to win a title?

Answer:  Eric, the feeling is impossible to describe with words.  Still today, if I ever see the highlight of Barry's winning goal and us emptying the bench, I get goose bumps and I can't wipe the grin off my face.  It was an unbelievable experience.  Two years ago when I came back, it was because I felt like I needed to find another college that better fit me as a person, but winning the Clark Cup was definitely one of my goals when coming back.

Matt - Minnesota
Congratulations on the championship!  Have you talked at all with Coach Hastings about his personal experience playing for SCSU?  If so, what kind of experience are you anticipating?  Your current teammate Travis Novak will also be playing for SCSU next season.  Have you talked with him about how great it would be to win consecutive championships with two different teams?

Answer:  Matt, I talked with Coach Hastings just briefly about his experience at SCSU, but it sounds like he had an unbelievable time while he was there.  I am looking forward to playing on an incredibly talented hockey team and enjoying my experience on campus in general.  Travis is a good friend of mine, I can't wait to play hockey with him again next year and yes we would both love to win another championship next year. 

Dave - Iowa
Hi Chris.  What was the first thing that went through your mind when Barry scored the goal to win the Clark Cup?  Also, good luck St. Cloud. 

Answer:  Dave, honestly, I was really glad he scored it when he did because we were shorthanded on the defensive side of the bench without one of our great players, Keir Ross and being game five of the final series in overtime, I was incredibly exhausted but when that goal was scored, I felt like I could of played another entire series.  The feeling of bliss is something I'll never forget for the rest of my life.   Thanks.

Jayden - Iowa
Are all the players really good friends?  Will you keep in touch with them when you go to college?

Answer:  Jayden, yes, in Omaha, all of the teams I played on were really close and every year I made life long friends, guys that I will keep in touch always.

Dan - Iowa
I saw an interview you did where you said that Young Arena was very loud. Do you have to change the way you communicate with team mates on the ice?

Answer:  Dan, Young Arena, in playoffs, was by far the loudest environment I've ever played hockey in.  Generally, we still communicated with our teammates by yelling to one another but because the environment was so loud and often times you couldn't hear your teammates, you had to make sure to take an extra look and find the person you were passing to. 

Bruce - Nebraska
How did it feel not to have lost in the first round of the playoffs and then continue on to win the Clark Cup?

Answer:  Bruce, after the first round was over, I felt relieved to have finally beaten the curse of the first round exit but I wasn't satisfied, and after we won the championship that was the ultimate feeling of satisfaction. 

Kim - Iowa
I noticed in playoffs that you had a goofy mustache.  Why did you grow this?

Answer:  Kim, it's a long time hockey tradition to grow out a beard in playoffs, but because the beard never really worked for me in years past, I decided to do something a little different this year and went with the goofy mustache instead. 

Christie - Nebraska
You have been one of Omaha's all-time favorite players. Do you think after you complete college you may return to Omaha and pursue a career with the Lancers?

Answer:  Christie, I loved my experience in Omaha, and after I'm done playing hockey, coaching is definitely something I would like to pursue, and if the opportunity to come back and work in Omaha presented itself that is something I would definitely be excited about doing. 

Michaela - Nebraska
How does it feel to know that all the fans out there in the stands are cheering for you?

Answer:  Michaela, we had incredible fans in Omaha, and it was a surreal feeling every time I stepped out on the ice, to hear the crowd cheering. 

Marv - Iowa
Besides your home arena which arena's goal song do you like the most and why?

Answer:  Marv, I never liked hearing an opposing team's goal song but I'd have to say that in Sioux City, when the lights went out and the train horn sounded, and their song blared over the speakers, it was a cool spectacle and it always really motivated me to not let it happen again. 

Jimmy - Nebraska
Aside from winning the Cups this year, what made this season different than your previous years?

Answer:  Jimmy, our team this year was probably the closest knit group I've ever been a part of.  We felt like we were one big family and when playoffs came around, any one of us would have done anything to win and stay together as long as we possibly could. 

David & Jeanie - Nebraska
Chris, first of all, we have watched you evolve during the past four years both as a player and as captain. Thank you so much for the excitement as we literally played each game with the Lancers in hopes that each of you could realize your dreams and goals. Your outstanding leadership was exhibited each and every game.  First question, if you do not go on to play professional hockey, would you consider returning to Omaha as a Lancer coach following your college graduation, or is that too much to hope for?  Seriously, TD Ameritrade would love to hire you as well. We love your style and wish you the very best.  Second, would it be possible for you to round up the Lancer team in four years for an Omaha reunion?

Answer:  David & Jeanie, when my playing days are done, if I had the opportunity to come back and coach in Omaha that is something I'd really be excited about.  Thanks for all the accolades.  The team has already talked about planning some kind of reunion in the future.  I don't know exactly when it would be but it is definitely something that all the guys on the team would like to do. 

Shawn - Nebraska
First off, I am a huge Stars fan, but I respect the game of hockey and rivalries as well. Therefore, I respect Omaha.  I know that you were involved with something with the armed forces. As an ex-Army of seven years and veteran of the war in Iraq I have a new found respect in you with your service time.  Nothing angers me more than when players jump and skate around before the National Anthem is finished, with no regard to the importance of that song for some of us. You stand there with complete respect for our flag and I thank you for that.

Answer:  Shawn, thank you very much for your service to our country.  I definitely feel that our flag and our national anthem are something that deserves the utmost respect. 

Bethany - Nebraska
Who was your favorite team member to play with?  Who was your inspiration to be a leader?  Who was the captain when you joined the Lancers? What are you going to miss the most about playing at the MAC?  Which NHL team is your favorite?  If you made it to the NHL which team would you want to join?  Who is your idol in the NHL?  Thank you for your time.

Answer:  Bethany, I have loved all my teammates and it's too hard to pick just one player, they are all outstanding players and good guys.  The captain of the Lancers during my first year was Corey Carlson, and he currently plays for Vermont.  I'm going to miss the great fans and great friends.  My favorite NHL team is the Chicago Blackhawks, being that Chicago is my favorite team, I would love to play for them but I would be happy to play anywhere in the NHL.  My all time idol in the NHL is Scott Stevens. 

Jim - Nebraska
During the regular season and playoffs, which game or couple games were the hardest for you and your team to play in?

Answer:  Jim, every game we played against the Lincoln Stars, was always a hard fought battle, so every regular season game and playoff series against Lincoln were some of the toughest games.  Also, the championship series against Waterloo was a tough battle. 

Sarah - Iowa
Who was your favorite team to play against in playoffs and in regular season?

Answer:  Sarah, I always loved playing against the Lincoln Stars because of our intense rivalry meant that it was always going to be a hard hitting great game to be a part of. 

Torie & Paige - Iowa
We are Waterloo Black Hawks fans. We were wondering who would you say was the toughest player to play against in the finals? Thank you.

Answer:  Torie & Paige, all I can say is that Waterloo was a great team this year and all the players were hard to play against, especially in the finals. 

Jack - Michigan
Since you were the captain of the Lancers this year, in your opinion which players made the biggest impact to the team and who grew the most and improved throughout the year?

Answer:  Jack, we had a great team this year, but I would have to say that our strong goaltending from both Drew Palmisano and Shane Madalora was the backbone of our squad.  I would have to say that my good buddy, Jake Sloat who is one of the hardest working incredible people I know, made the most improvement throughout the year. 

Kelly - Winnipeg, Manitoba
What made this team so different from all the others you played on that you were able to win both cups?  What do you think about the Canadian players and how they fit in?  Should they increase the number of imports?

Answer:  Kelly, the team this year was like one big family, we all loved each other like brothers; and even after the long grind of a sixty-game regular season we all still wanted to be together in Omaha working towards the championship.  The Canadian players I have played with have all been unbelievable people and players.  I don't know what to say about league import rules, but I wouldn't mind more Canadian players on my team.

Shaun - Iowa
I am a USHL fan in Waterloo.  First of all, congratulations on the championship.  We'll get you next year!  What is it like to play in an elimination game situation?  Good luck in your career.

Answer:  Shaun, Playing with your back against the wall is a hard situation to be in but at the same time, serves as a great motivator to play the best game you possibly can, so that you can move on towards your ultimate goal, winning the championship.  Thanks and good luck next year. 

Graham - Michigan
After the final game what emotions were running through your head and what did you feel that you accomplished?

Answer:  Graham, I was extremely happy, it's a feeling that I will never forget.  Having never won a playoff championship before, it was an incredible accomplishment.

Danny - Minnesota
Do you recommend bypassing your senior year of high school to play in the USHL?

Answer:  Danny, leaving my senior year of high school was the right decision for me but it probably isn't for everyone.  High school hockey in Minnesota is a great place to develop your game and there is nothing wrong with staying your senior year.  I knew I had a great opportunity in Omaha and I don't regret my decision for a minute.  Moving on to the USHL your senior year is a good decision if the opportunity is right, in other words, you know that you're going to get a chance to play and develop against some of the best players in the country. 

Brenda - Iowa
What will be your major in college?

Answer:  Brenda, I plan on pursuing a business degree, probably in finance, but I'm not 100% sure yet. 

Courtney - Nebraska
What goes through your mind when you see reactions of away fans to the Omaha Lancers?

Answer:  Courtney, I always loved going into opposing team's barns and playing in a hostile environment.  Wild fans from other teams always served as a great motivator for me. 

Brent - Iowa
Chris, congratulations on a very successful year.  From the Fall Classic until the end you all did a good job.  The Lancers are a very physical team and I appreciate that, it's part of hockey.  However a lot of people question the physical aspects of the Lancers game and say that it is dirty. What is your definition of an aggressive team and a dirty team?

Answer:  Brent, thanks.  We had a great year.  The Lancers are very physical and I don't feel that we are a dirty team.  An aggressive team is one that competes and hits but usually stays within the regulations, a dirty team is one that is constantly outside the regulations, usually a team that does a lot of stick work, not a physical team.

Jordan - Nebraska
Do you like the fighting part of the game?  If you could fight anyone who would it be?  I am a Lincoln fan and know Mike Dalhuisen is a great fighter.  Would you fight him?

Answer:  Jordan, fighting is part of the game.  I don't look for a fight; there were a lot of tough guys in the league this year, including Dalhuisen.  When it came down to it, I would have taken on anyone if it meant defending one of my teammates. 

MSG Steven Jenderseck - Oklahoma
Congratulations on winning the cup this year.  I am looking forward to you playing for SCSU, as that is my alma mater.  What do you think will be your biggest transition/challenge stepping up to the Division I college level playing in the WCHA?

Answer:  Steven, the WCHA is a great league with a lot of great players.  I think the biggest adjustment for me will probably be the speed of the college level and the fact that most of the players in college are full grown strong men.

David - Nebraska
Having spent four seasons with Coach Hastings, when was your first inclination that he was stepping down as coach and ultimately going to Minnesota?

Answer:  David, as well as I knew Coach Hastings, when the story came out, that he was moving on to Minnesota, it was as big a surprise to me as anyone else.  I have since talked to him and I am excited for him and the opportunity that coaching at the college level presents for him.  He is a great coach and he will be an asset to the University of Minnesota next year.

Tanner - Texas
After your team won the Clark Cup championship, what did your team do to celebrate?

Answer:  Tanner, we spent the whole night in the locker room, reminiscing and taking pictures of all the boys with the Cup, and really just enjoyed our last little while together as a family. 

Ben - New York
What would be the best advice that you would give to a developing player?

Answer:  Ben, never take any shortcuts, work as hard as you possibly can, to improve yourself and never give up on your dreams.  Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard. 

Previous Chats
Blake Kessel - Waterloo 
Alex Hudson - Tri-City
Doug Jones - Cedar Rapids
Spencer Heichman - Sioux City
Paul Carey - Indiana
Tim Mayer - USHL Official
Mike Walsh - Chicago