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• Raffi Torres |
The New York Islanders prospect on having fun and working hard
by NHL | Nov. 9, 2001
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To Raffi Torres, 5'11 and 207 pounds are only numbers. Ever since the Markham, Ontario native laced his first pair of hockey skates, he has been battling with critics who claim he's too small and too slow to make it in the National Hockey League.
Last year, the Latino sensation proved his critics wrong. And he did so in a big way. Torres became only the second Latino in NHL history to be drafted in the first round, as the revamped New York Islanders made him the franchise's fifth overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
Torres arrived at the Islanders' 2001 training camp with an energy and enthusiasm that have been nurtured by years of hard work. When Torres donned his NHL team colors, he made good on a dream he promised himself he would achieve.
As a way of showing other youngsters how important it is to believe in themselves and their dreams, this past summer Torres took part in an NHL Diversity Task Force forum, which discussed ways to make hockey more accessible to minorities, like Torres, who is half Mexican and half Peruvian. Between his strong work ethic on the ice and community involvement off the ice, Torres is sure to make his presence felt in the NHL for years to come.
What is your happiest NHL memory?
Being drafted by the NY Islanders!
What aspect of being in the NHL gives you the greatest pleasure?
Getting
regular playing time in the NHL. That would be my dream.
What is the greatest compliment a fan could pay you?
That they respect
me on and off the ice.
What is your most memorable fan encounter?
When I was in juniors, seeing
fans wearing my jersey and traveling to road games to cheer me on was
awesome.
If you went to an NHL game as a spectator, which player would you most
want to see on the ice?
Mario Lemieux!
As a player, which opposing player would you NOT want to see on the
ice?!
I don't know. I'd just be happy being on the ice in the NHL.
What advice would you give to kids stepping onto the ice with a hockey
stick for the first time?
Make sure you have fun. Don't worry about
anything other than having fun.
What aspect of playing hockey, in youth sports or in the NHL, do most
people overlook?
All of the work players do off the ice, like visiting
schools and hospitals and other community activities.
Describe a perfect day off.
answer
question
A day filled with lots of rest, driving around and eating a good meal at a nice restaurant.
If you could play any role in the remake of any film, what role would it
be?
Mel Gibson's role in Braveheart.
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
The ability to score
every time!
Besides your uniform and equipment, what are you sure to bring on every
road trip?
A suit and my toiletry bag.
Have any pets?
I have a German
Shepherd named Whiskey.
Using only one word, describe your feeling about the game of hockey.
Determination.
Thanks, Raffi.
You're welcome.
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