What To Expect From The 2016 Ice Hockey Classic Tour

Kerry Goulet (Tour Manager/Stopconcussions)

How is prep going for the USA vs Canada Ice Hockey Classic tour?

It’s a hectic time trying to get all the rinks together. We’re here in Melbourne and for the first time we are relaxed - the ice is looking great and players are excited. Having the All Star MVP John Scott here is great, the players are fired up and it will be an entertaining time for everyone here in Australia.

What can punters expect?

They can expect speed, passion, high skill level, guys like Johnny Scott and other NHL players and the moves and skills they have. Fans that come to the game will see entertainment, ice hockey but mostly entertainment to support the great causes STOP CONCUSSIONS and Brain Injury Australia.

How will you be promoting concussion awareness during the trip?

Basically, talk to people about the issues effecting people caused from concussions. When people have to stop playing the sport they need to understand what they need to do to ensure they heal properly and recover so they can continue playing the sports they love.

At what point in your career did you realise concussions were a serious issue?

I had a 16 year career in Germany and in my first year I took a major concussion. I probably had more prior but this one was sever, and I didn’t really know what concussions were about. It’s followed me into depression, suicidal thoughts and a lot of athletes don’t get through it but I was fortunate to. The aim is to ensure other athletes recover.

How did that change your view of the sport?

I would not have it any other way, ice hockey has been great to me and has allowed me to do what I do today and be close to young players to help educate them.

Concussions are a negative side but it opened my eyes to the health side of things and realise it needs to be taken seriously. It took me to the dark side but it’s my responsibility to back the sport and educate people on this so they can continue on and enjoy life.  Concussions change life but it’s important we can educate people and have a safer playing field, especially for young athletes and professionals.

It sounds like during your years playing, there was somewhat of a stigma attached to the injury - a “toughen up and play” approach – is that something you still notice today? If so, how we can overcome it?

We who are 35 years and up, it was ingrained in us to suck it up and win at all costs not think about it. I couldn’t stop playing and neither could they – you owe it to the fans, coaches, parents who took you to practice, your teammates and ingrained for years. Even in business it’s a fight – win at all costs.

Concussions allow us to step back and realise there’s more to life then beating an opponent. There’s got to be respect for the opponent and yourself. The underlining theme I’m seeing is athletes are starting to realise if you’re hurt take the time to heal as this will allow them to prolong their careers. It’s becoming less about win it now, more about there will be another game, another chance, I need to be 100%. There is more of a shift from gladiatorial approach to the game and more understanding on the health issues that can come from the game.

Touring the world, what are some of the key issues or common themes you’ve notice when it comes to concussions?

Very good question. Really it’s protocol and understanding - eliminating the myth. The helmet does exactly what it’s suppose to do – it’s designed to ensure we didn’t crack the skull with a stick or have laceration. There’s a myth of wearing protective gear, and help with g forces, as human’s we want instant fix – doctors, pills, protection. This injury is a complex one, the brain is an important organ. In the early 1900s – doctor’s were trying to do heart surgery and assessments on heart attacks but we couldn’t prognoses until we opened up chest. This has allowed us to assess, diagnose and treat heart attack victims quicker and efficiently. With the brain we can’t do that yet – so brain needs to be protected and we need to change the mind set and enjoy the sport while protecting a vital organ. We need to allow players to leave with better health and not end up with a bib and a drool cup.

From past experiences, the audience tends to encourage fighting and contact quite a bit – can it sometimes be hard to separate the violence and collisions from the sport itself?

We’re all humans, in Roman times, men fought beasts while fans watched on. I don’t think we’ve changed or evolved much since then in that aspect. People love violence –it’s on kid’s video games and tv shows. Until society understands the role of violence we are always going to have that element. If someone isn’t as talented or good they can use their brawn and strength to fight and have their career last longer. Change the mindset not the activity and there has been a lot of advancement in safety in the game. Continuing on with STOPCONCUSSIONS and other organisations help the game progress and protect players. I say keep playing just be safe, smart and play with respect.

What notable changes have you seen in sports around the world since getting involved with Stopconcussions Foundation?

More awareness and more understanding on the injury. When we see someone with an obvious issue with cognitive issues in the brain – whether it be AFL, NRL, boxing, we see a distinct change in the personality. Change in understanding of injury and awareness has helped with research into how we can sustain the injury.

Mostly it’s been a chance in awareness, management and help with developing preventions.

Michael Budd (USA, Forward)

How is prep going for the USA vs Canada Ice Hockey Classic tour?

Being the offseason for us I’ve actually had to go to the gym a lot in the last month! And on the ice a bit of practice, it can sometimes be hard to find ice in the off season so I try and practice where I can.

What can punters expect?

Hockey is an extremely fast sport, there are big guys on both teams so it will be physical. It’s probably one of the fastest sports in the world to watch – there is good intensity and the rivalry between USA and Canada is huge.

It’s been described as an "authentic North American ice hockey experience" – what does that encompass?

Like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The rivalry will be on show, top level hockey and of course beers.

There probably won’t be as much fighting as you think as it is becoming less and less a part of the game. But it depends on how we play and with this rivalry we can presume their probably will be a few fights!

The game is returning to massive venues in Australia due to demand and is always a favourite around the world – why do you think it’s such a popular sport?

A lot of it has to do with the speed and intensity. You’re only on the ice 30-1min at a time, you’re constantly changing players as the speed can’t be continuously matched, which means the intensity stays so high.

We’ve all been playing since we can walk so always go 100% and then our internal clock goes off around 30-40seconds and we know we need to come off for a quick break so we can maintain that intensity the whole game.

There are some big names joining the team lists for this tour – who are some players to look out for and why?

• John Scott- obviously he’s easy to pick out on ice, plays massive games games and was All Star this year.
• Bryce Salavador – he is a rock in defence and it is almost impossible to get by him.
• Ben Scrivens – is an excellent goal tender and it will be tough for our US team to get past him.

What does it take to be a good ice hockey player?

Takes a lot of practice from a young age. People find it hard to pick up the sport later in life. With the best players the game becomes second nature for them - hours and hours of dedication to get you to the next level.

There’s always enthusiastic kids at these events – what do you hope they take away from the experience?

Hope we can put on a good show and try and grow the game down here. Obviously it’s not the number 1 sport but it’s amazing to take the sport around the world and I hope the kids can share the same passion as well.

Steven Delisle – (Canada, Defenceman)

How is prep going for the USA vs Canada Ice Hockey Classic tour?

It is hard away from home, so we have to get ready with time change and the flight – it’s quite a ride – 20 hour flight. Then with skates out here and the rink  which is actually a little bit smaller then home so we have to get ready for that. It’s great though I went downtown in Melbourne and lots of people here are excited about the game telling me they’re coming to watch.

What can punters expect?

Well hockey is a fast game, it’s a tough game, there’s less fighting as it’s become a more fast pace game, on the ice we can go pretty fast and shoot hard, that’s what the game is all about, it goes pretty quick!

It’s been described as an "authentic North American ice hockey experience" – what does that encompass?

The rivalry between the two countries – team Canada want to win.

The game is returning to massive venues in Australia due to demand and is always a favourite around the world – why do you think it’s such a popular sport?

Because it is the best game on earth. People don’t know about it -it’s not that popular here but watching us I think they will like it more and we come here to make the game grow and I hope we are going to do it.

There are some big names joining the team lists for this tour – who are some players to look out for and why?

• Ben Scrivens on our team is a really good goalie.
• Big John Scott.
• And Wayne Gretzky – greatest player of all time will be in Sydney and always good to see him play.

What does it take to be a good ice hockey player?

Balance, we’re on skates so we have to control the puck with the stick and skate. Have to be really athletic, fast, strong able to move quick. You can’t be too big can’t be too small, you’ve got to be in shape as the game gets faster and faster each year so you have to be ready for that.

There’s always enthusiastic kids at these events – what do you hope they take away from the experience?
It’s a great game and I hope they’re going to like it and learn more. Hopefully the league here grows bigger and people from all over the world come here to play hockey.