Player Interviews

Interview with #16 Jeff Gottzmann

On Saturday October 31, 2009, I had the chance to talk with number 16, Jeff Gottzmann. Just after a first period against the St. Michaels Buzzers, Burlington-born Gottzmann answered a few questions.

MV- Who was your inspiration to get started in hockey?

JG- My mom. She played hockey for the University of Guelph. I thought that was pretty cool. So she's my inspiration for sure.

MV- Where did you play before the Burlington Cougars?

JG- I played for the Burlington Eagles my whole way up. I'm from Burlington and they are my hometown team, so it was pretty cool.

MV- Where do you see yourself in five years, and after that?

JG- I want to be playing somewhere in College for sure, as long as I'm playing and also in College getting an education. After that, anywhere in pro hockey would be awesome, or Europe.

MV- Is there anyone's style in the NHL that you would compare yourself too?

JG- I like Darcy Tucker. I'm number 16 because of him. I like his grittiness and determination. I like how he's not afraid to get in there and get the puck.

MV- Do you have any pre-game meals?

JG- I like to have pasta with a meat sauce, with chicken, broccoli and carrots.

Thanks to Jeff for taking the time to speak with us.  He currently has 6 goals and 12 points for the Cougars this season.  For the Burlington Cougars, I'm Melissa Verwey.

Interview with #12 Patrick Marsh

Patrick Marsh is the latest addition to The Burlington Cougars. Previously from Markham, Marsh plays forward, number twelve. On Saturday October 24^th's home game against the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Marsh scored the first goal of the game in only the first period. During the first intermission, I got to ask Patrick a few questions.

MV- Welcome to the team. How are you adjusting to becoming a Burlington Cougar?

PM- Well I started out in Markham, but it didn't work out. So then I got traded to Burlington.  It's closer to home and I really like it here.

MV- Do you have any pregame meals or rituals?

PM- I usually like to eat pasta and chicken about three hours before a game. I like to listen to my iPod, ride the bike and stretch. Sometimes I'll play soccer with the boys.

MV- What's on your iPod?

PM- I listen to everything from country, to rap, R & B, and some beats.

MV- What's your mindset during a game?

PM- I try and go out there and have fun - just do what I can and work hard every shift. I never give up!

MV- Are there any players in the NHL that you looked up to while growing up?

PM- I really looked up to Wayne Gretzky growing up. He used the ice really well and was one of the best players to ever play the game. So I really look up to him.

MV- How do you like to spend your free time outside of hockey?

PM- I like to hang out with my friends and my girlfriend. Watch movies, work out, play sports, I enjoy golf. I'm a pretty active and athletic guy, so I'm always out doing something.

The Burlington Cougars won 7 to 1 on Saturday, October 24. With this win and a first goal by Marsh, the season continues to look very promising. We welcome him to the team. Be sure to watch Marsh during his next game!

For the Burlington Cougars, I'm Melissa Verwey.

Interview with #44 Bobby Gertsakis

On Saturday October 10^th, 2009, just after an exciting first period against The Upper Canada Patriots, our Melissa Verwey got the chance to have a moment with Pickering-born, Bobby Gertsakis, and ask a few questions about his game.

MV - What inspired you to get started and involved in Hockey?

BG - My dad originally put me into hockey. I loved the game so I stayed with it.

MV - What's your mind set during a game?

BG - To just play my kind of game, work hard and skate well.

MV - Where did you play your Minor League Hockey, before joining The Burlington Cougars?

BG - I played all the way up for The Ajax-Pickering Raiders.

MV - If you were to compare your style of play to an NHL player, who would it be and why?

BG - I would say Tomas Kaberle, number 15 for The Toronto Maple Leafs. We both pass a lot, and I skate and play like him too.

MV - What can Burlington Cougar fans expect this season from you and the team?

BG - That we'll play hard every game, and hopefully bring home big awards.

Burlington Cougar fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, and can expect to see more from Bobby Gertsakis as he plays a very promising game.

For the Burlington Cougars, I'm Melissa Verwey.

Interview with #10 Greg Carey

On Saturday October 3rd, 2009, just after an exciting first period against the North York Rangers, our Melissa Verwey got the chance to have a moment with leading scorer Greg Carey, and ask a few questions about his game.

MV - How do you feel about being the leading scorer in the CCHL with 22 points?

GC - We're only 8 games into the season, so anything could happen. One of the reasons is that I've been working well with Josh Jooris on the top line.

MV - With new Head Coach Mark Jooris, what is the biggest difference between last year's team and this year's?

GC - We're a better conditioned team - that gives us that speed up the centre, and allows us to control most of the game. We have also been working very hard on skating in practices.

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MV - So far this year, Burlington is one of the top teams in the CCHL. What do you think it will take for the team to make it to the Conference finals?

GC - We have to keep playing as a team, keep scoring at the rate we're scoring, and just keep up the good work.

Burlington Cougar fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, and can expect to see more from Greg Carey as he dominates the league's scoring.

For the Burlington Cougars, I'm Melissa Verwey.