October 25, 2007
Jason Gregoire in action during his rookie season with the Lincoln Stars.
During the 2007-08 season, www.ushl.com will feature player profiles of current USHLers, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the players that are behind the masks. Rookie or veteran, it doesn't matter, players from all teams will be featured with a new player added each week.
Name: Jason Gregoire
Nickname(s): Jay, Gregs
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Best Thing About Your Hometown: Friends
Hobbies: Golf, fishing, music, boating
Favorite Band: Dierks Bentley
Favorite Movie: Blow
Favorite TV Show: Family Guy
Favorite Food: Pancakes
Dream Vacation: Caribbean cruise
Favorite NHL Team: New York Islanders
Favorite Player Growing Up: Steve Yzerman
Greatest Hockey Moment: Getting drafted by a NHL team
Pre-Game Rituals: None
Best Player You've Played With: Colby Cohen
Best Player You've Played Against: Jonathan Toews
Was it a tough decision for you to come play junior hockey in the United States instead of staying home to play junior in Canada? No. The USHL was best for my hockey career and college hockey has been a goal of mine for a while.
What are some of the differences that you've seen between junior hockey in the US and in Canada? There is more flow to the US game and it is a much cleaner game as far as penalties go.
Describe your USHL experience so far? Lincoln is a great place to play so I feel I lucked out there. Other than that it has been great; meeting new people, playing the game I love, getting a scholarship and getting drafted by the NHL. I would recommend the league to anyone.
What makes playing in Lincoln so great? Everyone knows we have crazy fans. To have the opportunity to play in front of 4,600 fans is incredible. The town is very nice and the people treat us great.
What are some of the differences in playing for Coach Johnson and Coach McGroarty? They are both great coaches that know what they are doing. Being captain, I talk more to Coach McGroarty where I didn't talk much to Coach Johnson. They both coach a very offensive style which I like. Coach McGroarty coaches a hard-working game where Coach Johnson coached more of a skill game.
If you could run the USHL for a day, what is one thing you would change? The icing rule they have going right now. It can be tough to call at times, but I agree in the sense where it eliminates injuries you might encounter with touch icing.
What sold you on committing to the University of North Dakota? The coaching staff is all great people, the school offers what I'm interested in and the facilities are unbelievable. Plus it is a two-hour drive from my house in Winnipeg so friends and family can come and watch anytime.
Growing up where you did, did you follow the Fighting Sioux because they were so close? College hockey is not part of a Canadian kid's life until he is about 14, where he might come across a recruiter or two. I didn't even know about college hockey until I was 15. I had the privilege to go to the world juniors when it was held at "The Ralph" (UND's home rink - Ralph Engelstad Arena). It really opened my eyes to what college hockey could offer.
What was your reaction when you were chosen in the 2007 NHL Draft? It didn't sink in for a bit, but it was an incredible feeling. I got the call before I saw it on TV, but what a call, let me tell you that.
You had a good prospects camp with the Islanders. What was that experience like? I was kind of nervous, but I had no pressure so I just had fun with it. It was cool skating with some very good players and seeing where I stand compared to them. I got good feedback from them and met some great people.
What's one thing that nobody knows about you? I played lacrosse for several years.
Will the NHL ever return to Winnipeg? No, not a big enough fan base, but I would vote for it!
What advice do you give to young players? Always work hard because you never know who is watching.
Previous Profiles
Will Weber - Chicago
