February 25, 2008
Sioux City captain Spencer Heichman celebrates a Musketeer goal.
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 Sioux City forward Spencer Heichman.
Jeff - Iowa
Coach Siciliano will soon be celebrated as the winningest coach in USHL history. As a team captain, how do you feel about having a role in that monumental occasion?
It's an honor being captain for the Musketeers and Coach Siciliano. He is a great coach and I have learned a lot from him, being my 3rd year as a Musketeer. I am glad to have the role as team captain when he is going through such an honor and just hope our team can give him more wins.
Tom - Iowa
As a child growing up in California, what made you consider playing hockey?
My dad was the one who got me into hockey. He was a big Kings fan and when I was growing up he would always take me to the games.
Kylie - Iowa
For the last two years you've been playing on a line with UMD recruit Travis Oleksuk. You two have formed quite a knack for finding each other. Travis has been having a great season right along with you. What has it been like playing with Travis and what has it been like having a different linemate each week?
Playing with Travis has been just magic from the minute we were put on a line together last year. Travis is a great player in the USHL that will have a great college career too. For the most part Travis and I are able to adjust to whoever may be on our line, but right now we have Steve Qualier on our line and it has been going great.
Chad - Iowa
Does it feel extra gratifying to be as productive as you are in the league as a smaller player?
I don't let my size be a factor when I play. I try to compete as hard as I can every time I play and even though I may be smaller then most players I don't feel extra gratification being productive in the USHL. I'm a believer that size doesn't matter in how good you are, but it is nice showing people that doubted me because of my size that I can be successful.
Kevin - Iowa
What has been your biggest challenge both on and off the ice since coming to the USHL?
Well, coming to the league at such a young age, it was hard living away from home and having to compete at such a high level on the ice and in school.
Charlie - Minnesota
How did you end up in the USHL? Were you drafted into the league or were you invited through the tryouts? Did a scout ever talk to you one-on-one about playing in the USHL? Thanks and good luck.
I was never drafted into the league. I got invited to tryout by Marty Quarters, Sioux City's assistant coach at the time. I was 16 and just ended a playing season with Detroit Honeybaked Midget Minor team. I talked to Sioux City and a couple other USHL teams throughout the season.
Tom - Iowa
Hi Spencer. Good job on making it to the USHL. What is it like playing in the USHL compared to all the other leagues you've played in? What is it like playing the Black Hawks? I hope that you beat Cedar Rapids every game. I hope to see you in the NHL soon. Good luck.
Playing in the USHL is an honor; it's a great league filled with great players that have a future playing hockey. I have been lucky making it to the USHL when I was 16, so I haven't played in any other junior leagues. I am not a big fan of playing the Black Hawks in Waterloo. They are a tough team and I don't know why it is, but I have never won in Waterloo in the 3 years I have been with the Musketeers.
Billy - Kansas
Hi Spencer. My name is Billy and I play in the KCMAEHSHL (Kansas City High School Hockey League) for the Lee Summit Storm. My coach said we get a lot of scouts at our games, but I was wondering if your coaches scout this league. Thank you and good luck.
I am sure there are scouts that get to your games, our coaches scout a lot and if you are good enough they will be out to see you. So make sure you play hard every time you play because you never know who is there watching you.
Brent - Iowa
Spencer, we have enjoyed watching you for three years in Sioux City and have seen many of your great moments. What do you feel was the defining moment in your hockey career that propelled you and made you the great player and person that you are today?
My most defining moment as a hockey player would have to be my journey getting to Sioux City. I came into camp as an undrafted 16-year-old not expecting to make the team. I ended up having a great camp and by the end coaches still didn't know if they wanted to take me and said they would let me know. I had plans if it didn't make Sioux City to head to Indiana's camp, so two days later I headed there and it was in the Airport that Sioux City called me and said they wanted to me to be on the team. I was extremely happy to make the team and I feel that was a huge part of my hockey career.
Brett - Iowa
Are you planning on one fight before the season is over? All of us in section 102 would love to see it.
It would be nice to get into one fight before the season is over; I know my teammates are pressuring me into dropping the gloves at least once.
Angie - Iowa
So Spencer, since you have played in the USHL for three years in Sioux City, have you enjoyed yourself and what have you learned that you will take with you when you leave us for college next year?
I have learned a lot here playing in Sioux City. I was thankful in coming to Sioux City when I was only 16 so I have learned a lot over the 3 years. Playing for Coach Sicliano, he has not just taught me how to become a better hockey player, but how to be a good person too.
Chris - Iowa
Firstly Spencer, I wish you the very best for the rest of the season. The rivalry between Sioux City and the Lancers keeps on growing, making for a very exciting game when the two teams meet. How aware are you on the ice of how much a win would mean for both teams, or is it just another game for the players on the ice?
Well, our rivalry between Omaha has definitely grown over my 3 years playing with the Musketeers. You have to be aware of how important every game is with every team in the league. Games with Omaha, though, have always been big games - especially this year because we are both strong teams and have been battling for first place in the West all year.
John - Nebraska
Which USHL team has the toughest fans to play in front of when you are on the road?
I would have to say Lincoln. Every time you go play there you can count on the place to be packed and the fan to be noisy.
Sarah - Iowa
What was it like playing in the USHL All-Star Game? Who did you enjoy playing with and against?
It was a great honor playing in the All Star Game. There were a lot of great players out there and it was a very good experience. I played with teammates Alex Tuckerman and Steve Quailer. I enjoyed meeting other players from other teams around the league, it was nice to have some of them on your team for once.
Phil & Mike - New Hampshire
What did your off-season workouts consist of this summer to have such a successful first half? We're also interested in knowing if you have any pre-game rituals that you do when you are warming up?
Well I didn't skate much in the summer, but I did hit the weights pretty hard. I have one ritual that I do in warm ups and that's that ankle locks. It gets me ready to go.
Bobby - Massachusetts
What player in either college or professional hockey do you model your game after the most and why?
I would have to say Andy MacDonald who plays for the St. Louis Blues. He is a smaller forward that is not afraid of anything. He scores goals and he is a good team leader.
Steve - Iowa
What do you like best about playing for the Musketeers?
I like my teammates the best. We have a good group of guys and I have fun every day going to the rink.
Mac - Ohio
Would you rather win the Clark Cup or would you rather be given the chance to go back and try to beat Honeybaked in the national finals?
I would rather win the Clark Cup even though it was rough losing the national championship. I think the Clark Cup means a lot more.
Dave - California
I've heard that you are an avid basketball player in the off-season. Is this true?
I once played in a summer basketball league, but it ended quickly with a fight. The team got the boot and that was the end of my basketball career.
Joe - California
Did you try out for any other USHL teams? What made Sioux City the right place for you?
No I never tried out for any other USHL teams. I tried out in Sioux City when I was only 16. I enjoyed my camp here and have been in Sioux City for the past 3 years.
Ian - California
I play for the California Wave 16 AAA and my dad thinks you used to play for the Wave. That's cool. Anyway, my question is what is the one thing that scouts really look for or what really impresses them?
I think how hard you work impresses the scouts the most. You don't have to be the best player, but if you work hard it shows how much pride you have for the game.
Aaron and Max - Michigan
Any YouTube reel goals this year?
No, not any YouTube reel goals yet this year. I have put in a lot of those back door goals, but hopefully I'll have one coming soon.
Jacob - Iowa
Is hockey your favorite sport?
Yes hockey is my favorite sport. It was the only sport I played growing up and have been playing for 15 years.
Lou - Minnesota
If you could choose any DI college to attend (outside of Quinnipiac) what would it be? And who did you cheer for when you were younger?
If I could choose any college to go to I would have to pick Michigan. When I was younger I really didn't cheer for any college team just because California isn't that big on college hockey, but I did cheer for the Kings.
Jordan - Minnesota
What do you think of rookie Seth Helgason? Strengths? Weaknesses?
Seth is a great young defenseman who will be playing in the NHL one day. He continues to get better everyday and is definitely a top defenseman on our team.
Chris - Iowa
Why is it that the Musketeers seem to struggle each year after Christmas?
It's hard to say, it's been this way for the past two years now. It's really disappointing because we start the season off really well, but seem to tail off by the end. Hopefully we can turn it around this year and finish strong going into the playoffs
Devon - Iowa
What would you say to someone that watches all of your games and now wants to play in the USHL?
I would say to work really hard and play the best you can in every game. The USHL is a great league with talented players, so you're going to have to work harder then anyone else trying to get here.
Previous Chats
Blake Kessel - Waterloo
Alex Hudson - Tri-City
Doug Jones - Cedar Rapids
