December 16, 2007
Alex Hudson in action for the Storm.
Jaro - Slovakia
Hi Alex. How are you and how are you doing this year? It's your old friend Jaro. Take care and good luck.
Hey buddy, things are going good here. I hope things are going good for you, too. I miss hanging out with you. Take care.
Kevin - Iowa
First off, good luck the remainder of the USHL season and next season at UNO. Last season you played in all 60 games with an impressive 16 goals and 28 assists and 43 PIM. This season (through 11 games played) you are on about the same, if not a better pace of scoring (6 goals, 3 assists) but your PIM are almost equal to last season's total with 37 PIM. What do you feel has changed either in your game or game situation that has lead to the increased time in the sin bin?
Well that's a good question and I wish I had answer for you. I guess the referees must have caught on to me - it sure took them long enough. Most of my PIM are from the first 4 games. I have been trying to stay out of the box since then.
Dean - Nebraska
Alex, you have been around the league a while. What are your most favorite and least favorite road trips? Thanks.
My least favorite trips are Indiana and Columbus because they are so far away. I am glad we got those trips out of the way early this year. The ones I like the most are Omaha and Lincoln because they are close and there is a lot more fan support.
Nicky - Nebraska
Hi Alex. I was wondering if it is true that you played a few games in the WHL and if so, how did you do that without sacrificing NCAA eligibility? Thanks for playing in the USHL. Even though you are on an opposing team it is still fun to watch you play.
When going to Canada I was planning on playing in the WHL, but when I got there I was sick with a thyroid problem. I was run down and out of shape and very skinny - I was 150 lbs so I wasn't ready to play any games. I left shortly after getting to Canada for home so I could see a thyroid specialist. So therefore, I never played any games and that's why I can still play college hockey. I am glad to be part of the USHL thanks for your support.
Jenna - Nebraska
Who is the toughest opponent you have played against?
I would have to say John Kemp and Greg Squires.
Mitchell - Iowa
A few questions for your Alex. How did you get into hockey? When did you start playing? Have you won any championships?
Hockey for me started when I was 7 years old. When I was little my older sister and I would watch the Mighty Ducks movie frequently. We were kind of big Disney movie fans. One day I decided to get out there and give it a try. I once won a state championship and a regional championship. Playing roller hockey I won lots of tournaments, but no national championships or better.
Jimmy - California
Alex, what's up? Are you coming home for Christmas?
Jim, what's up man? No, I'm not going to be able to make it home for break because I am going to school full-time and with finals I would only get like three days at home and I hate flying.
Larry - Nebraska
Would you like to play goalie for a game?
No way! I'm no Kevin Weeks. Being a goalie hands down is the hardest position on the ice. What they do is amazing and I respect all goalies, but I prefer to score on them.
Nick - Iowa
Alex, when you and your teammates went into Cedar Rapids, during the game, were you intimidated by all of the RoughRiders fans and their chants they had towards you guys?
Yes. RoughRiders' fans are some of the best in the league. I not going to lie, I don't hear too much when I'm on the ice, but I know when I'm in either CR or Waterloo I can hear nothing but cowbell.
Matt - Massachusetts
I was wondering what it is like living with a host family? Do you get to live with them for free?
Living with a host family is a lot of fun. When at home I try to spend time with them - really get to know them. It is important to make sure you communicate with them if you're not going to be home for dinner or if you will be a little late for curfew. Be a good person and respecting them and their home, and in return they too will respect you. And yes, it's free in the USHL.
Terrance - Maryland
I play for Team Maryland 18&under AAA. My goal for this year is to land a spot on someone's roster in the USHL, but I look through the website and you are one of the only black players in the league. How is that? I'm also black so I just thought I should ask that question.
It is important to follow your goal in playing in the USHL next year. If you focus your time and energy on working hard and getting better every day you will have no regrets. Make a point to prove who you are to yourself and who you are on the ice. Being black has nothing to do with how you perform in hockey. Have confidence in yourself and best of luck with your season.
Bobby - Massachusetts
Considering your skin color, do you get remarks about playing hockey at all?
Yeah, a lot of the time people will say "great speed," or "you are very good athlete." I guess I am just fortunate to have such a skin color that continues to get compliments.
Christopher - California
Hello. I live in southern California and really haven't been able to afford to play travel hockey in California, so I was wondering how would I be able to get noticed by the USHL?
You don't have to play travel hockey to get noticed. I was drafted into the USHL because I went to the Chicago Showcase and not through travel hockey. I almost didn't go to the showcase, but I decided to go on the very last day.
Noah - Iowa
Hi. My name is Noah. I am nine years old and a Black Hawks fan. I like to watch all hockey players play the game so I really am just a huge hockey fan all around. I am just starting out in Rec Hockey and wanted to ask you this. Do you get to pick your position right away or does the coach put you where he wants you?
You get to pick your own position in whatever you feel most comfortable doing. However, if it's defense, work on your skating and having a good shoot. If it's forward work on your goal scoring ability.
Dane - California
Alex, since you have been in the league there have been many other Californians to join you. Who do you think are some of the top players from California in the league this year, both rookies and veterans?
Yeah it is good to see all the players coming from California - there are a lot of good ones. There are a lot of young California kids playing in Lincoln. I can think of two players who have worked very hard to get where there are - rookie Troy Power and veteran Donnie Hallmark.
Dirk - Ohio
What factored into your decision to go to Nebraka-Omaha, and what are your expectations for next year?
There are several factors that went into choosing the best college for me. When first visiting UNO I really liked the atmosphere. I really like the state of Nebraska minus the cold which after 3 years I am still getting adjusted to. After meeting with the team and coaching staff and seeing how they bonded I knew this was the place for me.
Mike - Minnesota
Who is the best player that you have played with on the Tri-City Storm over the years?
Over the years I have played with a number of great players. Each year every player brings a different attribute that I am able to learn from. Therefore, everyone I have played with is a great player.
Alex - Wisconsin
I would just like to know what is your favorite part of playing in the USHL?
My favorite part about playing in the USHL is playing in front of thousands of people every night. I enjoy playing against some of the best young players in the country. Also, the way players are treated in this league is second to none.
John - Iowa
Who is the toughest person you have fought and why?
Well I've fought lots of tough guys but, one of the toughest ones was Nathan Perkovich. Because he is 6 foot 4 and he punches hard.
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Blake Kessel - Waterloo
