Special thanks to Riley for going out of his way to help us out with doing this interview, he's a tremendous guy who, hopefully, we'll see alot more of this season. What is the best part about being a professional athlete? RC: For me, the best part of all this is that I'm living a dream. This is what I've wanted to do since I was a kid.
Who was your favorite NHL team/player growing up? RC: My favorite team growing up was the Winnipeg Jets. As for a player, there was a guy named Scott Arniel. I won a replica jersey of his when I was real young, and I've liked him ever since.
If you could name one person that has influenced your career, whether they be a teammate, coach, or family member, who would it be? RC: Well, I have two people to name, both of my parents. They're the ones that got up and drove me to games and practices at seven in the morning on weekends, the ones that believed in me, they always told me never to give up, keep working hard, and good things will happen.
What were your emotions upon hearing about your first opportunity to play in the NHL? RC: When I [found out] I had made the Flyers roster out of camp last season, I was speechless. I guess, there are really no words to describe it. It's the kind of feeling you get when you've reached one of your large goals in life. Then, of course, getting sent down not having seen an NHL game and breaking my ankle three days later was devastating. But, when I got the call with eight games left of the season, that same feeling was back. If you get an opportunity like this in life, you hold on to it with everything you've got, and I've got a death grip on it right now.
How would you describe the locker room atmosphere as in Philadelphia? RC: It's unbelievable, like night and day compared to last season. Everyone is so excited to finally get going. With all the moves "Homer" made this off-season it's clear to everyone in the locker room that this is going to be a great season. Bringing in great players was only one thing Paul did for us, he also brought in great people. Having character in the locker room goes a long, long way.
Have you met/played with any of the newcomers (Briere, Smith, Lupul, Hartnell, Timonen, etc), how do you think they'll fit in here? RC: I've had a chance now to meet and play with all the new guys. They've all been in town for a week or two and we've skated almost every day. I've also had the privilege to play with Scott Hartnell for two years in juniors. He's a great player, and a great guy. All of these guys will fit in great here, three of the five were former captains, obviously bringing lots of leadership. They all work hard and really want to make a difference here in Philly.
If you had the opportunity to "drop the gloves" against any NHL player, who would it be? RC: To tell you the truth, there is no particular guy I want to fight, I just want to fight. I get ready for whoever is next on the schedule and study that opponent.
Have you played any of the previous EA Sports' NHL titles? If so, will you be playing NHL 08? RC: You know, I've played the EA hockey games before but not too much. Once it comes out on Wii, I'm sure I'll buy it. I just don't play sports games a whole lot.
Finally, what I think is the most important question I'm going to ask this evening,
What's your opinion on the Philly cheesesteaks? And, of course, your comment on the infamous debate: Pat's or Geno's? RC: I love a good Philly steak, even though they don't help with the ol' physique. I have had the opportunity to try many different steaks around Philly. I've had Pat's and Geno's both one time each and I have to say that I thought Pat's was a little better. Both were very good, but I'm going to go with Pat's.
This is just the first installment of Inside The Flyers, a weekly series examining recent games, debates, news, and more concerning our hometown team.