Commissioner's Corner - Brian Barca - 100th Career Goal
First off Brian congrats on your 100th career goal, very impressive feat.
Thanks John. I really appreciate it.
What does the achievment mean to you, especially being the first to do it?
Well, to tell you the truth, it is really a reflection on my fortunes of being on some really good teams. From my first year with the Crosby's, to the last three with the Jets including this year, I certainly have been lucky to play with a lot of good players. It's a nice accomplishment though for sure. I've worked hard.
Despite being in 2nd place, some say this is a down year for the Jets. Do you agree with those claims and is it hard to play up to those expectations every week?
I don't think anyone would disagree with the statement that we have a target on our backs a bit. Winning a couple championships and the fortunes of having a lot success will undoubtley bring that. About 2nd place, I think each year is different. If you look at our team this year, we still have given up the least amounts of goals. Our "goals for" are way down, but we've been missing a lot of key pieces such as captain Zak Campbell that are important to our offensive output. The league also has gotten tougher each season. It hasn't been easy for us and we've had to work extra hard to stay near the top of the standings. The expectations are tough, but that's the game. We know that and accept that.
Speaking of targets, you obviously draw just as much attention as any player in the league if not the most. What drives you and does it ever take a physical toll?
Well, if I'm to say it takes a physical toll, I may be setting myself up for more abuse..lol, but honestly I think there is an understanding throughout the FHL that the offensive guys are going to get hit a bit. You see that with all the teams especially in the playoffs but definitely more during the regular season this year. I know most games I'm going to be played tight so I just do my best to open things up for our other talented players such as Jason Kortz. Also, Jason Tatrai is evidence of stepping up and taking advantage of textra space. He's been brilliant for us this year. He's added the offensive element which has really helped carry us. All in all though, the driving force for us all-are the championships.
Was the emergence of Tatrai--and Kortz more so after the ASG the reason you guys were not active at the deadline?
Sure. Tatrai has been good from day one. Kortz, we knew it would take time for him to adjust to the game at Franklin, but he's not done yet. He's improved each week, but I promise you no team has seen his best yet. God Bless them when they do too, because he can take over a game physically and offensively like Mark Fetsko. If there is another Jets title in the future, believe me, it will have Kortz's prints all over it. If I can add to that too, we weren't active because when we get Campbell and Josh Macintyre back, that will be just like huge trade deadline aquisitions.
Indeed. Now just a few quick ones.
Favorite NHL player?
Sid, noone even close...
Favorite FHL player?
Steve Zeransky
nobody has more heart
Least favorite player to play against?
with all due respect to all those great players.....nobody
Favorite linemate of all time?
He's on my wing right now. Jason Kortz. We've been through alot together in our lives and to finally share the ice is a blessing.
Last question. Anything scarier than Bill Seaman mad?
Nope. That's why we drafted him to our side.
Indeed. Well thanks for your time Brian and good luck with the rest of the season.
Always a pleasure John. Thanks for all your work as commissioner and you do an admirable job with the Crosbys.
Thanks John. I really appreciate it.
What does the achievment mean to you, especially being the first to do it?
Well, to tell you the truth, it is really a reflection on my fortunes of being on some really good teams. From my first year with the Crosby's, to the last three with the Jets including this year, I certainly have been lucky to play with a lot of good players. It's a nice accomplishment though for sure. I've worked hard.
Despite being in 2nd place, some say this is a down year for the Jets. Do you agree with those claims and is it hard to play up to those expectations every week?
I don't think anyone would disagree with the statement that we have a target on our backs a bit. Winning a couple championships and the fortunes of having a lot success will undoubtley bring that. About 2nd place, I think each year is different. If you look at our team this year, we still have given up the least amounts of goals. Our "goals for" are way down, but we've been missing a lot of key pieces such as captain Zak Campbell that are important to our offensive output. The league also has gotten tougher each season. It hasn't been easy for us and we've had to work extra hard to stay near the top of the standings. The expectations are tough, but that's the game. We know that and accept that.
Speaking of targets, you obviously draw just as much attention as any player in the league if not the most. What drives you and does it ever take a physical toll?
Well, if I'm to say it takes a physical toll, I may be setting myself up for more abuse..lol, but honestly I think there is an understanding throughout the FHL that the offensive guys are going to get hit a bit. You see that with all the teams especially in the playoffs but definitely more during the regular season this year. I know most games I'm going to be played tight so I just do my best to open things up for our other talented players such as Jason Kortz. Also, Jason Tatrai is evidence of stepping up and taking advantage of textra space. He's been brilliant for us this year. He's added the offensive element which has really helped carry us. All in all though, the driving force for us all-are the championships.
Was the emergence of Tatrai--and Kortz more so after the ASG the reason you guys were not active at the deadline?
Sure. Tatrai has been good from day one. Kortz, we knew it would take time for him to adjust to the game at Franklin, but he's not done yet. He's improved each week, but I promise you no team has seen his best yet. God Bless them when they do too, because he can take over a game physically and offensively like Mark Fetsko. If there is another Jets title in the future, believe me, it will have Kortz's prints all over it. If I can add to that too, we weren't active because when we get Campbell and Josh Macintyre back, that will be just like huge trade deadline aquisitions.
Indeed. Now just a few quick ones.
Favorite NHL player?
Sid, noone even close...
Favorite FHL player?
Steve Zeransky
nobody has more heart
Least favorite player to play against?
with all due respect to all those great players.....nobody
Favorite linemate of all time?
He's on my wing right now. Jason Kortz. We've been through alot together in our lives and to finally share the ice is a blessing.
Last question. Anything scarier than Bill Seaman mad?
Nope. That's why we drafted him to our side.
Indeed. Well thanks for your time Brian and good luck with the rest of the season.
Always a pleasure John. Thanks for all your work as commissioner and you do an admirable job with the Crosbys.
