Post by Colt Seavers on Jan 20, 2009 19:25:01 GMT -5
Todd Simpson was one of my favorite players. His rugged style of play combined with his leadership qualities and willingness to stick up for a teammate were well endeared by his comrades, as well as fans. At 6ft 3 inches, 227 lbs, nobody punished the opposition in front of the net better than Todd.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview Todd. He was very accommodating and friendly, and I would like to thank him. Please enjoy!
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview Todd. He was very accommodating and friendly, and I would like to thank him. Please enjoy!
]Who were your idols growing up?
I LIKED WAYNE GRETZKY, BOBBY ORR, TIGER WILLIAMS, AND HAROLD SNEPSTS.
What team or teams were your favorite as a kid?
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
You played 14 games with Brown University before taking the Major Junior route the next year. What made you head down that path?
I DECIDED THAT IF I WAS EVER GOING TO MAKE THE NHL IT WOULDN'T BE THROUGH BROWN. SCHOOL WOULD ALWAYS BE THERE. I DID NOT WANT TO BE 30 AND LOOK BACK AND SAY "WHAT IF?"
What was it like having Wade Belak as a teammate when you were in Saskatoon?
HE WAS A YOUNG KID BUT A GREAT GUY. RAW. AND TOUGH. WE WERE DEFENSE PARTNERS- I WAS THE SKILL GUY! IT WAS FUN, NOBODY WANTED TO COME NEAR OUR NET. HE COULD THROW BOTH HANDS WELL BACK THEN.
Name your favorite moment when you were in Juniors?
THE 7 GAME SERIES WE HAD IN THE WHL FINAL WITH KAMLOOPS. IT WAS GREAT INTENSE HOCKEY. IT WAS ALSO MY WORST BECAUSE WE LOST AND THEN KAMLOOPS WON THE MEMORIAL CUP EASILY-IT COULD HAVE BEEN OURS.
You respectively compiled 321 PIMS in 1994-95, and 277 the following season with the St. John Flames. It was also during this time you played in 6 pre and regular season games for the Flames, registering 11 fights in all between Sept and late Oct. Was it during this time when you discovered what your role might be?
EXACTLY. I REALIZED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR OUR TEAM AND IT WAS NOT AN EASY THING TO DO. IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I COULD DO THAT NOT A LOT OF OTHERS COULD. IF I COULD GET IN THE DOOR WITH TOUGHNESS, THEN I COULD WORK AT BEING A GOOD DEFENCEMAN. I FIGURED THIS OUT AND DURING THAT SECOND YEAR IN THE MINORS, I REALLY IMPROVED MY ALL AROUND PLAY. SO IN 96-97. I WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY THE GAME AND NOT JUST FIGHT.
It was during this time you had your first regular season fight with Keith Primeau. Do you remember what was going through your mind?
I WAS NERVOUS. HE WAS HUGE. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION. I DID NOT DO TOO WELL IN THAT ONE-HE HAD LONGER ARMS THAN I THOUGHT!
What was your most memorable moment of your rookie season?
SCORING MY FIRST GOAL. IT WAS A NICE ONE TOO. 3RD PERIOD TIED THE GAME AT HOME AGAINST DETROIT. I MADE CHRIS OSGOOD LOOK BAD! 4 ON 4, I PULLED THE PUCK TO MY BACKHAND AND WENT SHELF.
Are there any punches you wish you could take back? A cheap shot somewhere, or a specific fight against a particular player?
I KIND OF ACCIDENTALLY SPEARED IAN LAPERRIERE IN THE FACE. I DIDN'T HURT HIM. MY STICK JUST KIND OF GOT PUSHED UP. HE WAS AN HONEST GUY SO I FELT BAD ABOUT THAT, BUT HE WAS TRYING TO RUN ME. I GOT SUSPENDED 2 GAMES.
You're very ambidextrous, almost throwing equally with both hands. Was that something you practiced hard with?
YES IT WAS SOMETHING I WORKED AT. WHEN I WAS 21, I DID NOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO THROW A PUNCH WITH EITHER HAND. I ALWAYS FELT YOU COULD SURPRISE GUYS AND THROW THEM OFF IF YOU THREW WITH BOTH. I ALSO THINK BRAD MAY THROWS WITH BOTH VERY WELL.
Young guys try to make a statement, raise some eye brows and challenge the vets during training camp. Can you recall any memorable fights?
ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS I EVER MADE IT TO THE NHL WAS IN MY FIRST EVER NHL CAMP ON DAY ONE, I WENT AFTER SANDY MCCARTHY AND FORCED HIM TO FIGHT ME. I HUNG IN THERE AND TRADED PUNCHES WITH SANDY, WHO WAS ONE OF THE TOP 5 IN THE LEAGUE THEN. IT MADE ALL THE SCOUTS, COACHES AND PLAYERS SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE THAT I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE THE TEAM AND IT CAUSED THEM TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE REST OF THE GAME.
Who (coach or teammate) helped you the most in bettering your overall game as a defenseman? Most influential during your career?
GUY LAPOINTE WAS VERY GOOD DURING THAT FIRST YEAR IN CALGARY. HE WAS VERY SMART AND HELPED OUT A LOT THAT FIRST YEAR. ALSO, JOEL BOUCHARD WAS MY PARTNER AND WE WERE A GREAT TEAM HELPING EACH OTHER OUT AS WE WENT THROUGH OUR FIRST YEAR.
Which players, if any, did you have a personal rivalry with? Anything that carried over-off the ice?
THERE WERE A LOT OF GUYS I DID NOT LIKE, BUT NOTHING THAT CARRIED OFF THE ICE. I AM PROUD TO SAY I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A FIGHT OFF THE ICE.
Who was the toughest player you ever fought?
RYAN VANDENBUSSCHE-HE JUST KEPT COMING NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU HIT HIM.
Who do you believe was the toughest enforcer during the time you played in the NHL?
TONY TWIST
WHich player did you consider to be the "best pest"? Who did you hate playing against the most?
GUYS LIKE TOOTOO AND RUUTTU AND COOKE- I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH THEIR STYLE, ALTHOUGH TOOTOO IS FIGHTING A BIT MORE THIS YEAR. THESE GUYS SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE.
Do you still "owe" someone for a particular incident, and wish you could even the score on the ice?
I STILL "OWE" BRAD MAY FOR A SUCKER PUNCH HE GAVE ME WHEN I WAS IN CALGARY. BUT THEN WE PLAYED TOGETHER IN PHOENIX AND HE IS A GREAT GUY AND HE APOLOGIZED. I FORGAVE HIM AND IT HAS BEEN OVER FOR YEARS.
Which defensive partner did you enjoy playing with the most?
PHIL HOUSLEY- HE WAS SO GOOD WITH THE PUCK AND HE WOULD GET ME ASSISTS AND ALSO LEAVE ME WITH 2 ON 1'S WHICH WERE FUN TO DEFEND. I OWE A LOT TO JOEL BOUCHARD TOO-WE WERE A GOOD PAIR TOGETHER.
You played for the Scorpions in Germany. What adjustments, if any, did you make to the way you played?
I HAD TO CRANK THE INTENSITY WAY DOWN AND JUST POKECHECK GUYS-THE REFS DO NOT LIKE PHYSICAL PLAY OVER THERE.
What defenseman currently playing in today's NHL reminds you or closely resembles yourself in terms of the way you played the game?
MATT GREENE - LA KINGS
You're known for pulling practical jokes. Which were some of your favorites?
I ENJOYED THEM ALL BUT I DONT WANT TO GIVE AWAY MY SECRETS!
What do you think of today's NHL? Name some major changes you would implement if you were the Commish?
GET RID OF THE INSTIGATOR RULE AND ALLOW THE BATTLES IN FRONT OF THE NET. MAKE IT A TOUGH PLACE TO BE AGAIN. SCORING HAS NOT GONE UP AT ALL WITH THE NEW RULES.
I LIKED WAYNE GRETZKY, BOBBY ORR, TIGER WILLIAMS, AND HAROLD SNEPSTS.
What team or teams were your favorite as a kid?
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
You played 14 games with Brown University before taking the Major Junior route the next year. What made you head down that path?
I DECIDED THAT IF I WAS EVER GOING TO MAKE THE NHL IT WOULDN'T BE THROUGH BROWN. SCHOOL WOULD ALWAYS BE THERE. I DID NOT WANT TO BE 30 AND LOOK BACK AND SAY "WHAT IF?"
What was it like having Wade Belak as a teammate when you were in Saskatoon?
HE WAS A YOUNG KID BUT A GREAT GUY. RAW. AND TOUGH. WE WERE DEFENSE PARTNERS- I WAS THE SKILL GUY! IT WAS FUN, NOBODY WANTED TO COME NEAR OUR NET. HE COULD THROW BOTH HANDS WELL BACK THEN.
Name your favorite moment when you were in Juniors?
THE 7 GAME SERIES WE HAD IN THE WHL FINAL WITH KAMLOOPS. IT WAS GREAT INTENSE HOCKEY. IT WAS ALSO MY WORST BECAUSE WE LOST AND THEN KAMLOOPS WON THE MEMORIAL CUP EASILY-IT COULD HAVE BEEN OURS.
You respectively compiled 321 PIMS in 1994-95, and 277 the following season with the St. John Flames. It was also during this time you played in 6 pre and regular season games for the Flames, registering 11 fights in all between Sept and late Oct. Was it during this time when you discovered what your role might be?
EXACTLY. I REALIZED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR OUR TEAM AND IT WAS NOT AN EASY THING TO DO. IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I COULD DO THAT NOT A LOT OF OTHERS COULD. IF I COULD GET IN THE DOOR WITH TOUGHNESS, THEN I COULD WORK AT BEING A GOOD DEFENCEMAN. I FIGURED THIS OUT AND DURING THAT SECOND YEAR IN THE MINORS, I REALLY IMPROVED MY ALL AROUND PLAY. SO IN 96-97. I WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY THE GAME AND NOT JUST FIGHT.
It was during this time you had your first regular season fight with Keith Primeau. Do you remember what was going through your mind?
I WAS NERVOUS. HE WAS HUGE. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION. I DID NOT DO TOO WELL IN THAT ONE-HE HAD LONGER ARMS THAN I THOUGHT!
What was your most memorable moment of your rookie season?
SCORING MY FIRST GOAL. IT WAS A NICE ONE TOO. 3RD PERIOD TIED THE GAME AT HOME AGAINST DETROIT. I MADE CHRIS OSGOOD LOOK BAD! 4 ON 4, I PULLED THE PUCK TO MY BACKHAND AND WENT SHELF.
Are there any punches you wish you could take back? A cheap shot somewhere, or a specific fight against a particular player?
I KIND OF ACCIDENTALLY SPEARED IAN LAPERRIERE IN THE FACE. I DIDN'T HURT HIM. MY STICK JUST KIND OF GOT PUSHED UP. HE WAS AN HONEST GUY SO I FELT BAD ABOUT THAT, BUT HE WAS TRYING TO RUN ME. I GOT SUSPENDED 2 GAMES.
You're very ambidextrous, almost throwing equally with both hands. Was that something you practiced hard with?
YES IT WAS SOMETHING I WORKED AT. WHEN I WAS 21, I DID NOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO THROW A PUNCH WITH EITHER HAND. I ALWAYS FELT YOU COULD SURPRISE GUYS AND THROW THEM OFF IF YOU THREW WITH BOTH. I ALSO THINK BRAD MAY THROWS WITH BOTH VERY WELL.
Young guys try to make a statement, raise some eye brows and challenge the vets during training camp. Can you recall any memorable fights?
ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS I EVER MADE IT TO THE NHL WAS IN MY FIRST EVER NHL CAMP ON DAY ONE, I WENT AFTER SANDY MCCARTHY AND FORCED HIM TO FIGHT ME. I HUNG IN THERE AND TRADED PUNCHES WITH SANDY, WHO WAS ONE OF THE TOP 5 IN THE LEAGUE THEN. IT MADE ALL THE SCOUTS, COACHES AND PLAYERS SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE THAT I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE THE TEAM AND IT CAUSED THEM TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE REST OF THE GAME.
Who (coach or teammate) helped you the most in bettering your overall game as a defenseman? Most influential during your career?
GUY LAPOINTE WAS VERY GOOD DURING THAT FIRST YEAR IN CALGARY. HE WAS VERY SMART AND HELPED OUT A LOT THAT FIRST YEAR. ALSO, JOEL BOUCHARD WAS MY PARTNER AND WE WERE A GREAT TEAM HELPING EACH OTHER OUT AS WE WENT THROUGH OUR FIRST YEAR.
Which players, if any, did you have a personal rivalry with? Anything that carried over-off the ice?
THERE WERE A LOT OF GUYS I DID NOT LIKE, BUT NOTHING THAT CARRIED OFF THE ICE. I AM PROUD TO SAY I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A FIGHT OFF THE ICE.
Who was the toughest player you ever fought?
RYAN VANDENBUSSCHE-HE JUST KEPT COMING NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU HIT HIM.
Who do you believe was the toughest enforcer during the time you played in the NHL?
TONY TWIST
WHich player did you consider to be the "best pest"? Who did you hate playing against the most?
GUYS LIKE TOOTOO AND RUUTTU AND COOKE- I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH THEIR STYLE, ALTHOUGH TOOTOO IS FIGHTING A BIT MORE THIS YEAR. THESE GUYS SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE.
Do you still "owe" someone for a particular incident, and wish you could even the score on the ice?
I STILL "OWE" BRAD MAY FOR A SUCKER PUNCH HE GAVE ME WHEN I WAS IN CALGARY. BUT THEN WE PLAYED TOGETHER IN PHOENIX AND HE IS A GREAT GUY AND HE APOLOGIZED. I FORGAVE HIM AND IT HAS BEEN OVER FOR YEARS.
Which defensive partner did you enjoy playing with the most?
PHIL HOUSLEY- HE WAS SO GOOD WITH THE PUCK AND HE WOULD GET ME ASSISTS AND ALSO LEAVE ME WITH 2 ON 1'S WHICH WERE FUN TO DEFEND. I OWE A LOT TO JOEL BOUCHARD TOO-WE WERE A GOOD PAIR TOGETHER.
You played for the Scorpions in Germany. What adjustments, if any, did you make to the way you played?
I HAD TO CRANK THE INTENSITY WAY DOWN AND JUST POKECHECK GUYS-THE REFS DO NOT LIKE PHYSICAL PLAY OVER THERE.
What defenseman currently playing in today's NHL reminds you or closely resembles yourself in terms of the way you played the game?
MATT GREENE - LA KINGS
You're known for pulling practical jokes. Which were some of your favorites?
I ENJOYED THEM ALL BUT I DONT WANT TO GIVE AWAY MY SECRETS!
What do you think of today's NHL? Name some major changes you would implement if you were the Commish?
GET RID OF THE INSTIGATOR RULE AND ALLOW THE BATTLES IN FRONT OF THE NET. MAKE IT A TOUGH PLACE TO BE AGAIN. SCORING HAS NOT GONE UP AT ALL WITH THE NEW RULES.