RiverBlades captain Eric Long answers YOUR questions!

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

ASK ERIC 1/30/03
Question: How will the mandatory visor rule affect fighting next season? Will players be tossing the helmets as well as dropping the gloves? Thanks. (Randy)

Answer: Things shouldn't change too much from what happens this season. The "tough guys" will be tossing helmets to save their hands. Although, I would bet that you will see more broken fingers and hands because some fights are "heat of the moment" types when you don't think about what you are doing you just start throwing punches. It brings up an interest argument about why the visor rule was instituted in the first place. Thinking they are protecting players and lowering workers compensation claims due to facial injuries might be true, but what about the hand injuries?

ASK ERIC 1/24/03
Question: Eric- Two questions please: First--how are the Captains chosen for the All-Stars teams. And second, what has become of our "favorite" ref Justin St. Pierre? Thanks for your time. (Kandy)

Answer: The Captains for the All-Star games are chosen by their respective All-Star coaches. And as for Justin St. Pierre, I heard that he was in the Northern Division, and also doing some AHL games.

ASK ERIC 1/24/03
Question: During the game at Lafayette Sun, (I think it was) Cirillo received a double minor and was put in the box. Renzi was also put in the box, but we played only one player short. Is the team assessed a penalty when a player receives a double minor? If it doesn't reduce us to a 5 on 3, how is this punishment? Thanks! (Puck)

Answer: I believe what happened was Cirillo was given a double minor and the Icegator player only received a two-minute penalty. When this happens you need another player in the box so that when the Icegators power play expires we had someone to go back on the ice to make it 5 on 5. Cirillo still had two minutes left to serve in his penalty. Our "punishment" was that Cirillo couldn't play for 4 minutes of the game and the Icegators had a power play!

ASK ERIC 1/23/03
Question: What do you think about the mandatory eye protection rule beginning next year? Do you think it will have much impact on the style of play in the league? Do players really mind the shield? (Coop)

Answer: I think eye protection is great idea! Mandatory is a bit extreme, especially at this level. A grandfather clause would work great in this league because very few players play more than four years because of the veteran rules. Within 3 years I would guess that 90% of the players would be in shields.

As for impacting the game, I don't think it will have too much impact. The physical players will still play physical and fighting will still be a part of the game. Just because a player wears a visor doesn't mean he is a finesse player. There will still be role players needed on every team, whether it be a tough guy or a checking line!

Finally, visors are a matter of personal preference. EVERY player today wore a full mask growing up and had to make the transition to not wearing a shield at some point in their careers, so I think, given time, all players can get used to it.

This is a hot button issue and will be talked about a lot by the players especially come training camp next season!

Question: Are a player's play-off stats added in to his career totals? Or is it only regular season stats? Thanks! (Erin)

Answer: Playoff stats are not added to regular season totals.

ASK ERIC 1/20/03
Question: With the team having its best season to date, I have the question regarding a possible run to the post-season. How many points does it take for a team to qualify for the playoffs? (Curtis)

Answer: There is not a number that qualifies a team for the playoffs officially. The playoff format this season has the 4 seed vs. the 5 seed in each division play a one game playoff. The next round is 1 vs 4 seed and 2 vs 3 seed. The winners of these series' play for the division title. The winner of this continues on for the conference title and then the finals.

Unofficially, I think 90-95 points is going to win the southwest division and 75-80 points is going to sneak you into the last playoff spot.

ASK ERIC 1/11/03
Question: In last night's game against the Sea Wolves, why didn't the goal at the end of the second period count? (Kathy)

Answer: The pass was ruled a two line pass. I can see why there is some confusion because it was such a late whistle. The linesmen both missed the call, but the referee noticed it and made the call. It is not his job to make that call, but it was the right one for him to make!

Question: Hi Eric. We are really big fans. We remember you from Western Mass.!!! Our question is: What is your favorite hockey moment from over the years? Good luck with the rest of the season! (Matt Landon & Kristin Garvey)

Answer: Hi Kristen and Matt! I think you guys are my biggest fans from Western Mass!!! THANKS!! My favorite hockey moment has yet to come since I still haven't won a championship. But, I really enjoyed myself at the 2000 All Star game and winning the accuracy shooting competition in front of the home crowd! Great question you two and hope to see you both soon!!! ;)

ASK ERIC 1/10/03
Question: In regards to Lanie's question about veterans, is that 250 ECHL games or does playing in other leagues count? What happens if a player hits the 250 mark in the middle of the season? If he is on a team with four vets already does he have to be traded immediately or can he wait until the next season?

And for a fun question; What does the team do to get hyped up before a game? Thanks and GOOD LUCK and shout out to 11 and 30! (Heidi)

Answer: The vet rule applies only to games played professionally in North America (NHL, AHL,ECHL,WCHL,CHL,UHL,ACHL) or Elite Leagues in Europe. At the start of each season the player must be below this number in order to be classified as a non-vet. If he plays his 250th during the season he is a vet at the start of the next season. Last season Russ Guzior, Brad Holzinger and Jason Saal played their 250th game during the season and are vets this season.

Each player has different routines to prepare for a game. Some players listen to music, others watch videos of games or hightlights from games. Every player is different and finds the motivation they need through different sources. It is up to the individual to prepare himself to be at his best each and every night!

Question: Eric, How do you shoot that there flat ball so dang hard? (Jeb)

Answer: It is called a puck and it takes many years of practice.

Question: Before each period most goalies skate back and forth over the crease...it looks like they are roughing the ice up. Why do they do that? (Simone)

Answer: Every goalie has his personal preference, but they are roughing up the ice so it isn't as slippery. They don't want to slide through the crease and be out of position.

ASK ERIC 1/8/03
Question: Hey Eric! It's me, again. Back to physical play. First I must say CONGRATS to you and the rest of the team for an awesome weekend against the Gators and the Seawolves. Now, I noticed Darryl Campbell at the Sea Wolves game. He played for us last year, and it seems he kinda has it out for us. Why do guys like him hold a grudge, or so it seems. I personally think somebody oughta face-off against him and then rattle his bones and when he gets back up knock his teeth out 'cause he always tangles us up. But that's just me. Anyway, what do you think of players like that, not specifically a personal experience, but as a general view. Tell Buddy I said "Hi!" Thanks. (Ian)

Answer: Hi Ian, thanks for the congratulations, it felt great to beat those teams this weekend. As for your question, sometimes when guys face off against their old team, they want to show their old coach that they made a mistake by getting rid of them. So oftentimes, during those games, former players are perhaps fired up to play a little more physical.

ASK ERIC 1/6/03
Question: Hi, Eric. Gotta say, our family really enjoys the Riverblades. Our two boys (6 and 4) and little girl (3) love to watch you guys play! We make as many games as we can! Anyway, I was wondering why, during a face off, the referee might blow his whistle and change out the two guys who have lined up to face off? (Wayne)

Answer: Good to hear that your family enjoys the games so much!!

The linesman will sometimes kick out the face off men if they are lined up unfairly. The proper way to line up is with your stick down and still with your skates facing forward. If the linesman thinks one of the centers is "cheating" he will kick them out!

Question: Is a coach allowed to nominate his own players when the nominations are made for ECHL player (goalie, d-man, rookie) of the month? (Valerie)

Answer: I don't think it is the coach who does the nominating for these awards. I think the league is given names of players who are worthy by the PR person from the front office. The league office then decides!

Question: Eric, my husband and I went to our first Riverblades game three weeks ago and have been to a total of three games. So, I have several questions that may be strange or simple. 1) in a sudden death which team shoots first? 2)Does each line have different strengths? 3)During a delayed penalty does the goalie always skate off the ice? I have seen this happen but didn't know if there were only certain situations that the goalie skates off. 4)Do you actually have "plays" or do you pretty much go out on the ice and pay attention to where your other teammates are at the time? 5) I read the archives to learn from other questions and now I have more....What is dumping the puck, finishing a check, odd man rush, and a penalty kill? 6)When you talk about a weekly salary cap does that include the behind the scenes staff or players only? 8) What does MTS on Saals helmet stand for 9) How do I get to ride the zamboni and why does it have headlights? Thank you for your time, I know I am taking up a lot. (Reffmom)

Answer: Sounds like you are getting hooked on hockey!! Great to hear! I am going to answer your questions in the order that you asked them.

1. In the shootout the visiting team always shoots first.

2. Each line does have different strengths. Typically, the first line is your scoring line, the second line is a mix of scoring and good defense, and the third line is the checking line used to neutralize the opponents first line. This is a general overview of each lines responsibilities. All lines are expected to play good defense and score goals!

3. The goalie skates off during a delayed penalty to give his team an extra attacker. Once the penalized team touches the puck the whistle is blown so this eliminates the need for a goalie for those few seconds.

4. There are plays that are run, but it is unlike football or basketball because the puck is moving too quickly. For the most part it is a game of read and react!

5. Dumping the puck is when you cross the center red line and shoot it into the opponents zone. Finishing a check is when you hit someone after they have gotten rid of the puck. An odd man rush is when you have a 3 on 2, or 2 on 1 break. This happens when an opponent is caught behind the play. This is one time when "plays" are used! Finally, a penalty kill happens when you are given a penalty and forced to skate a man short for two minutes.

6. The salary cap is for the players only. This season it is $10,000 per week. You can carry as many as 20 players on your roster. We only carry 18. Player salaries range from player to player depending on experience and production.

7. MTS are the initials of Jason's daughter, Madison.

8. I don't think you can get a ride on the zamboni, but I really don't know. I am not sure why it has headlights either, but I am sure there is a good reason!!

Thanks for all your great questions and I hope I answered them for you!!

ASK ERIC 1/4/03
Question: This is kinda moving away from the rules of hockey...but what are the advantages of using a two piece stick..if any..I mean., does it have a better handle to it..or is it strictly player preference? (Ted)

Answer: Thanks for writing, Ted! All the questions don't have to be about the rules of hockey, I am happy to answer anything related to the sport in general. As for the sticks, it is all personal preference, of what the player is used to and feels comfortable with. Personally, I prefer the one-piece sticks!

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR