[Andy]

PHILADELPHIA, PA ? Philadelphia Flyers center, R.J. Umberger sat down with me after a tough night against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 15. It was tough because the Flyers were defeated by the Maple Leafs in a close 4-2 game. However, this was compounded by the fact the heart and soul of their team, Peter Forsberg, was traded away immediately following the team?s pre-game warmups. Knowing this, I didn?t anticipate having the opportunity to talk with R.J. as there was a media frenzy in the locker room covering this breaking news. The team, of course, came first and many of the players were not around as I?m sure there was a discussion on what was going on.

However, R.J., the true gentleman that he is, walked in and went right along with my interview. R.J. took some time discussing his young career in the NHL and his hockey gaming history. Can?t expect anything less than that from a fellow born and raised Pennsylvanian, right? =)

R.J. was drafted in the First Round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (16th Overall) by the Vancouver Canucks. He is widely considered to be the best player to ever come out of the Pittsburgh area and has excelled at every level of hockey that he has played. Ultimately, Umberger (24) was picked up as a free agent by the Flyers in 2005. He has an excellent blend of size and skill and skates almost effortlessly with smooth, powerful strides that often leave opposing forwards in his tracks. One of his most notable skills is Umberger?s ability to drive to the net with the puck to the outside of a defenseman. His offensive game is well-developed for a younger player and he is widely known for his excellent passing skills and a hard shot.

R.J. is in his second full season in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and the power forward has put up impressive numbers in his short tenure.

To read the full interview, click here.