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Ask A Player - Alex Auld

Thursday, 03.11.2005 / 12:00 AM / News
Vancouver Canucks
Q: What has been the best experience since you've been drafted to the NHL? (Allyssa Alano)

Playing in the play-offs a couple of years ago against Calgary was definitely a highlight. Winning in triple overtime, and getting to play game seven at home were pretty special moments.

Q: How do you keep yourself focused after a puck gets passed you? (Rob, New West, Van, B.C.)

You just have to move on and put it behind you. You can't expect a shut-out every night, so I just move on and let it roll off my back.

Q: Does your routine before a game change when you're a starting goalie rather then a back up? (Nigel, Victoria B.C.)

 Yes, both mentally and physically it is a little different. When I'm back-up, I don't warm up quite as much and in the same way and mentally I don't think about the game as much. A full warm up is a lot to do at all time, especially if you're not playing. It's just a different mind set when you're a back-up.

Q: Do you have any good luck rituals that you do before games and if so, what are they? (Audrey Ng)

 Not really, I've got a few habits like getting dressed in the same order and I usually go to sleep around the same time the night before a game. I don't really have any superstitions.

Q: Who is the hardest player you have faced in a breakaway in the NHL? (Kris)

 I think one of the toughest guys I've had to play against would have to be Iginla. He scored on me in game seven, and overall he's a really dominant player.

Q: Do you feel that being a bigger goaltender gives you an advantage over smaller goaltenders because of the rule changes affecting the ability of the defence to clear the front of the net and allow more forwards to crash the crease? (Al Burdon)

 I think so, as long as you can still move. My mobility is something I've really worked hard on, because if you're big and you can move it's definitely an advantage. Now, with guys coming to the net more, the bigger you are, the more resilient you are to getting hit or bumped.

Q: Do you see Cloutier's concussion as an opportunity to solidify yourself as a member on this team, and possibly create a controversy for the full time starting job? (Paul Wood, Pense, Sask)

 No, I see the situation as an opportunity to play and that's it. It's an opportunity to help the team out, and that is what's important.

Q:As a former Moose player, would you consider Winnipeg a suitable city for an NHL franchise? Taking into consideration the new MTS center, and all the records we broke last year for the AHL playoffs. (Peter)

 I think they have a beautiful new facility there and a franchise is definitely possible sometime down the road. They've got the rink for it, and fans that really enjoy hockey, so someday we might see it happen.

Q: Growing up, who did you look up to for inspiration?

 I think like everyone, my parents have influenced me the most. As far as athletes go, I'd have to say Wayne Gretzky. I was also very fortunate, because I got the chance to watch a lot of good goalies like Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, and guys like Curtis Joseph and Dominik Hasek. I grew up during a golden age of goaltending, so I was pretty lucky.

Q: If you weren't a hockey player, what would you be doing?

 I would probably be an architect or work in construction. I really like working on my cottage and doing home improvements. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and working hands on.

 

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  TEAM GP W L OT GF GA PTS
1 p - CHI 48 36 7 5 155 102 77
2 y - ANA 48 30 12 6 140 118 66
3 y - VAN 48 26 15 7 127 121 59
4 x - STL 48 29 17 2 129 115 60
5 x - LAK 48 27 16 5 133 118 59
6 x - SJS 48 25 16 7 124 116 57
7 x - DET 48 24 16 8 124 115 56
8 x - MIN 48 26 19 3 122 127 55
9 CBJ 48 24 17 7 120 119 55
10 PHX 48 21 18 9 125 131 51
11 DAL 48 22 22 4 130 142 48
12 EDM 48 19 22 7 125 134 45
13 CGY 48 19 25 4 128 160 42
14 NSH 48 16 23 9 111 139 41
15 COL 48 16 25 7 116 152 39