An Interview with Jets Nick Siniawski
by Buddy Doyle
Buddy
Nick, you're now a Jet. Tell me-- how has your view of the organization changed since you became a part of it?
Nick
Well, in past seasons being in the league, the Jets were a team that always had a target on their back due to their success. But now I can see that success comes from hard work and good ownership. Being on the other side of the equation, I will strive to help the Jets win another cup this year. I feel that our GM and our franchise player have assembled a strong team and will be tough-out come playoff time.
Buddy
Do you have a new respect for Brian Barca now that he is a friend instead of a foe?
Nick
Me and Brian shared in an FHL cup during the inaugural season with the Crosby's. But people don't realize how much of a beating Brian goes through weekly because other teams feel like that is the only way to slow him down. I'm extremely impressed by the way he perseveres and puts himself within the elite of FHL scorers year after year. The guy just wins.
Buddy
Nick, what is your role this season with the Jets?
Nick
This year has been a bit of a change of pace. Because of the fact that we have two of the best scorers in the history of the league, I have been asked to play more of a defensive role-- which I don't mind at all. It speaks volumes to the dedication of our team that guys like Zak Campbell and Justin Gardner, normally offensive threats, are willing to play defense week in and week out. It truly is whatever is best for the team.
Buddy
Obviously a favorite for the title, what does your team have to do to make this come true?
Nick
We need full attendance. I feel that anything short of a number one seed would be a disappointment for our team. Come playoff time, if everyone plays to their potential-- I can't imagine us losing.
Buddy
Some would say that the Jets should not have Chad Kanz this season. That the league should determine draft order based on performance from the prior season. What do you say about these comments and about this idea?
Nick
It's not up to me to make the rules, my job is to show up and play. These decisions are made by the league office. Obviously, any team that would have had the opportunity to acquire Kanz would have jumped on it. Maybe we got the luck of the draw, but I don't care, I'm not complaining.
Buddy
Like the NHL and NFL, the FHL seems to be cracking down on hits this season-- specifically, hits from behind and open ice hits. Is this good for the league?
Nick
Honestly, I can sympathize with both sides of the argument. The league is determined to keep their players safe, without compromising the integrity of the game. I feel that hits from behind should be penalized, but I do not want to see clean, open ice body checks completely done away with. Sometimes, as a defending player, the only way to stop an opponent is to separate him from the ball with your body.
Buddy
With the loss of players such as Gabe and Gary Gerson, Mark Fetsko,
Dan Drane, and Dustin Hess, have you noticed a drop of talent in the league?
Nick
No, I don't think so. The league is still filled with extremely talented players. Yes, it's a shame to see some of those players go, but with young guns such as Bobick, Simms, Mains, and Veeheck, I feel that the league has a very bright future.
Buddy
Favorite NHL player?
Nick
Guess I gotta go with Brooksy.
Buddy
Favorite FHL player?
Nick
Tom Fetsko. It's like having a second goalie out there.
Buddy
Least favorite FHL team?
Nick
Gotta go with Boyle. I love to beat BG, and hate to lose to him.
Buddy
Toughest FHL player to play against?
Nick
Buddy Doyle. It's nearly impossible to get around him.
Buddy
(Thanks, Nick). Most memorable FHL moment?
Nick
Probably in the playoffs of the second year of the league. I was a member of Boyle, and we were playing the Jets in the semifinals. We were on a penalty kill and I blocked multiple shots in a row--several with my teeth, cheeks, and forehead. Personally, that's my favorite FHL moment.
Buddy
MVP prediction?
Nick
Kanz or Barca. It will be one or the other.
Buddy
Thanks for your time, Nick
Nick
No problem, Bud. When ya going home next? You should go home for the
Super Bowl.
Buddy
Maybe I will, I'll let ya know.
Buddy
Nick, you're now a Jet. Tell me-- how has your view of the organization changed since you became a part of it?
Nick
Well, in past seasons being in the league, the Jets were a team that always had a target on their back due to their success. But now I can see that success comes from hard work and good ownership. Being on the other side of the equation, I will strive to help the Jets win another cup this year. I feel that our GM and our franchise player have assembled a strong team and will be tough-out come playoff time.
Buddy
Do you have a new respect for Brian Barca now that he is a friend instead of a foe?
Nick
Me and Brian shared in an FHL cup during the inaugural season with the Crosby's. But people don't realize how much of a beating Brian goes through weekly because other teams feel like that is the only way to slow him down. I'm extremely impressed by the way he perseveres and puts himself within the elite of FHL scorers year after year. The guy just wins.
Buddy
Nick, what is your role this season with the Jets?
Nick
This year has been a bit of a change of pace. Because of the fact that we have two of the best scorers in the history of the league, I have been asked to play more of a defensive role-- which I don't mind at all. It speaks volumes to the dedication of our team that guys like Zak Campbell and Justin Gardner, normally offensive threats, are willing to play defense week in and week out. It truly is whatever is best for the team.
Buddy
Obviously a favorite for the title, what does your team have to do to make this come true?
Nick
We need full attendance. I feel that anything short of a number one seed would be a disappointment for our team. Come playoff time, if everyone plays to their potential-- I can't imagine us losing.
Buddy
Some would say that the Jets should not have Chad Kanz this season. That the league should determine draft order based on performance from the prior season. What do you say about these comments and about this idea?
Nick
It's not up to me to make the rules, my job is to show up and play. These decisions are made by the league office. Obviously, any team that would have had the opportunity to acquire Kanz would have jumped on it. Maybe we got the luck of the draw, but I don't care, I'm not complaining.
Buddy
Like the NHL and NFL, the FHL seems to be cracking down on hits this season-- specifically, hits from behind and open ice hits. Is this good for the league?
Nick
Honestly, I can sympathize with both sides of the argument. The league is determined to keep their players safe, without compromising the integrity of the game. I feel that hits from behind should be penalized, but I do not want to see clean, open ice body checks completely done away with. Sometimes, as a defending player, the only way to stop an opponent is to separate him from the ball with your body.
Buddy
With the loss of players such as Gabe and Gary Gerson, Mark Fetsko,
Dan Drane, and Dustin Hess, have you noticed a drop of talent in the league?
Nick
No, I don't think so. The league is still filled with extremely talented players. Yes, it's a shame to see some of those players go, but with young guns such as Bobick, Simms, Mains, and Veeheck, I feel that the league has a very bright future.
Buddy
Favorite NHL player?
Nick
Guess I gotta go with Brooksy.
Buddy
Favorite FHL player?
Nick
Tom Fetsko. It's like having a second goalie out there.
Buddy
Least favorite FHL team?
Nick
Gotta go with Boyle. I love to beat BG, and hate to lose to him.
Buddy
Toughest FHL player to play against?
Nick
Buddy Doyle. It's nearly impossible to get around him.
Buddy
(Thanks, Nick). Most memorable FHL moment?
Nick
Probably in the playoffs of the second year of the league. I was a member of Boyle, and we were playing the Jets in the semifinals. We were on a penalty kill and I blocked multiple shots in a row--several with my teeth, cheeks, and forehead. Personally, that's my favorite FHL moment.
Buddy
MVP prediction?
Nick
Kanz or Barca. It will be one or the other.
Buddy
Thanks for your time, Nick
Nick
No problem, Bud. When ya going home next? You should go home for the
Super Bowl.
Buddy
Maybe I will, I'll let ya know.
