On his style of play: Well, I'm a big, physical guy. I like to go hard to the net and get the puck out of the corner and pass it out front or to the point whenever I can, and I'm very strong defensively.

On patterning his game after Jarome Iginla: I think I kind of model my game after Jarome Iginla. That's why he's my favorite player. It's the way he's so physical and so strong on the puck. He just does everything he can for his team. He's captain and obviously a great leader, and I just look up to him in every aspect of the game.

On getting his start in hockey: My dad played hockey. And I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, so when I was two, I just learned how to walk and my dad got me out on the frozen pond. So I was walking around in skates and then hockey rolled around, so I joined up in that when I was about 5. It was a pretty natural thing to do.

On what makes playing outdoors special: It's being able to get out there with your friends -- the freedom to not have any coaches yelling at you or anything. Just do what you want and have a lot of fun.

On what motivates him: Just your dream to always be the best. I just want to improve myself and be the best player I can be -- always push myself harder in practice.

On his most memorable hockey gift: I don't really remember it but I've seen a lot of pictures in old albums of me walking around the living room with my first pair of skates on and this big, ugly helmet. I see it all the time in pictures – getting those was pretty big.

On the biggest influences in his career: Definitely my parents. They've always been there to keep me level headed both when I've been really successful or to help me through some rough patches. They've always been there to support me in any way I've needed. And I've had so many great coaches over the years, I can't even name them all right now. But they've helped me, obviously, through my skill progression.

On his hobbies away from the rink: I've been playing guitar and actually piano for a really long time. I always have my guitar with me. And when there's nothing else to do, I strum a little melody out.

On avoiding superstitions: I have a routine -- a long stretch and then just get focused before the game. But I believe that you make your own luck so I try not to have any superstitions. I don't like that taking over.

On his favorite shootout move: Trying to get the goalie to go over and then bring him back and go backhand upstairs.

On his favorite activity away from the rink: My favorite activity away from the rink is probably music.

On his favorite player: My favorite player is Jarome Iginla because he will do whatever it takes to win -- he scores, fights, hits, does it all.