wbsfights.com

In what I hope to be the first of many, wbsfights.com is proud to present its first player interview.  I would like to thank Paul Bissonnette for taking the time out of his busy camp schedule to answer some questions from myself and some of my readers.  Paul’s responses are in red.

There are many different styles and reasons players tape their sticks
Could you elaborate on the method that you use and why you find it effective?

Its all preference, i just tape the whole blade lol, im guessing its not that effective cause i rarely score. Maybe this question makes me try something different.

Do you see yourself being used more as a wing or a D-man and why? Which is your preference?

I see myself as a forward now. I can play both so it’s a good thing. I can be more effective up front with my style of play.

With the recent promotion and addition of a new assistant coach in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton do you feel there will be any major changes, as far as the way the team plays?

No they pretty much had the same systems and way of thinking the game. Todd and Dan both work extremely hard and study the game. We will be well coached.

What has been the most memorable moment in your pro career to date?

Winning a gold medal for team Canada in the U-18.

As far as the WBS Fans, how would you rate the fan base in
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton compared to any arena/city you have played?

Ours are the best hands down. Other buildings have alot of fans but not nearly as loud.

When on the road, which is your favorite opponent’s venue/city?

I loved Chicago, what a city that is.

You order a pizza - what’s on it?

I would go with mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni and olives.

How difficult is it to have to live away from your home for such a long stretch each year?

Well it’s my job and I understand that. I don’t get home sick at all but I do miss my friends a lot because I don’t see them during the season much. My parents come down so I see them.

In your opinion what was your best fight of the year last year, and why?

Well when I beat Boulerice because he’s tough and I won the fight lol.

Any fights you wish you could have back?

A lot of them. I was learning last year so I’ve been working over the summer. I fought some big guys last year so it was tough on my body.

Last year you fought with one of your former (Wheeling) and now current teammate Adam Henrich. I believe I read he was a former roommate of yours. Is it just chalked up as being part of your job?

No friends out there. I remember the play. He hit Connor James and I skated over and he had no choice. I play hard and I love sticking up for teammates, it could be my brother out there and I’d fight him. If you want to win you can’t make exceptions. Me and Adam are still close though even though I dropped him.

Do you ever study an opponents fighting style online?

Most the time I do. Especially when they are heavyweights.

With Bonvie now retired, what would you say is the one thing that you learned from him that made the biggest impact on you?

Off the ice and how he interacted with the fans. They are the reason we have jobs. They come and support us. I don’t mind when fans come up and want to talk. I like it even better when we talk about what they do for a living. It’s boring talking about hockey all the time.

Do the players see the signs that fans make in the arena?

I love reading some of them. It amazes me to see how grown ups take time out of there day just to chirp a guy on the opposing team. I remember one time a guy had a sign making fun of my dog in reading when i was in wheeling. I was laughing all warm up.

If you could pick a song to play when you fight, what would it be?

Cochise by Audioslave minus the intro

Do you do any specific off-season training in regards to fighting?

I took boxing with an instructor and it was hard work but we will have to wait to see if it helped.

Any lingering effects from the injury last season?

No it’s good now. I had done that before I was off the ice 3 weeks and could have played in the Chicago series but didn’t.

Did the new jersey style/fabric change your approach to squaring off with an opponent?

Not at all.

Where do you feel WBS will finish in the division this year?

On paper we should win it but talks cheap.

Do you have any pre or in-game superstitions? Who has the most bizarre superstition on the team, and what is it?

I have no superstitions, I think they are stupid. They play with your mind. I see some guys and it boggles me. I can’t remember any specific crazy ones.

We would again like to thank Paul for taking his time to answer all our questions.  We will be following him closely throughout the season, and wish him the best of luck!  I have a feeling Paul will be mixing in some highlight goals in addition to his highlight fights this year!