Michigan fan asks Willie how to get ready for a game

by NHL | Dec. 17, 2001

Do you have a question about hockey? About skills? About the game? Meet our expert: Willie O'Ree! You can send Willie e-mail right here: nhlkids@nhl.com.

Dear Willie,
I've recently started playing youth hockey in Michigan state and was wondering if you could tell me the best thing to do in order to get prepared for a game? I'm 14 years of age and play bantam hockey.
macaque13

Hi, Macaque:
The best thing you can do to prepare for a game is to be in the best physical shape possible. This helps you to avoid injuries, and will make you enjoy the game more. And, ALWAYS play by the rules.

Hi Willie,
I am inquiring of the whereabouts of Brian Wiseman who last played for the Houston Aeros of the IHL in 1999-2000. In 1999 the Maple Leafs kept him from becoming a free agent and I have not heard about him since.
Regards,
David Patterson

Hi, David: I have also lost track of Brian Wiseman. I know he was injured all of last season, and did not play.

Hi Willie,
Sup
Who do you think is a better defensive defensemen?
1. Ed Jovonovski of the Vancouver Canucks or
2. Demitri Yuskevich of the Toronto Maple Leafs
From Chris, Aron & Imran,
Richmond B.C. Canada

Hi, Chris, Aron & Imran:
Ed Jovonovski and Dmitri Yuskevich are both VERY good defenseman. If I had to pick, I think I would take Jovonovski. He is a little bigger and really turned into a playmaker last season.

Hi Willie,
I am a 7 yr old in novice hockey, I live in Edmonton Alberta home of the great young guns...the Oilers. My question to you is...as I am a defense sometimes when I need to get back to protect my goalie, I am not that fast of a skater. Any tips to help me skate faster? I get a little upset sometimes, but my mom tells me Gretzky was not always fast as a skater either.
Thank you for your time.
Diamond Agnew ....aka....future NHL player

Hi, Diamond:
Well, your Mom is certainly right. Gretzky was not a great skater, but his incredible sense of anticipation, and where the puck was going to go next allowed him to always get where he needed to be. To skate better, practice as much as you possibly can. Practice forward skating, backward skating and going from side to side. At 7 years-of-age, you have plenty of time, so stick to it.

Hi Willie,
My name is Danielle, and I am a girl playing on the local atom AA team. Everybody says I should shoot more often, but I also have a really good deke, what should I do?
Danielle

Hi, Danielle:
Well, everybody's style is different. If you feel comfortably faking or dekeing and it works for you, then keep it up. One piece of advice, though: If you don't shoot, you CAN'T score.

Hi Willie,
Who's the best - Patrick Roy or Martin Biron?
Mattbran

Hi, Mattbran:
I hate to compare hockey talents, especially goaltenders, and Martin Biron and Patrick Roy are surely two of the best. But, off his record and especially given his longevity, I would have to pick Patrick Roy.

Hi Willie,
What is it like knowing so many NHL players? My favorite player is Patrick Roy.
Bye,
Christopher Paul Grote

Hi, Christopher:
Well, it is a great privilege for me to know so many great NHL players, both present and past. It is one of the thrills of my lifetime. You certainly picked a future Hall of Famer when you chose Patrick Roy as your favorite.

Hi Willie,
Can you speak Swedish?
from Linus Lundberg

Hi, Linus:
No, I cannot speak Swedish, but I sure do admire the caliber of hockey players that great country has produced over the years.

Hi Willie,
Over the course of history, what is the average number of shots on goal per team during a regulation game? MYFAN2

Hi, MYFAN2:
I am guessing on this, as I don't have the hard statistics, but my guess would be that the average number of shots on goal by one team in a regulation game would be around 30.