Commissioner's Corner - Joe Rogers
Joe this is your first season as a captain. What has the experience been like so far? How does it compare to being just a regular player?
There's really no comparison, especially for me. I've always been a pretty laid back kind of role player. As a captain, there's so much pressure. You gotta get your guys there. You gotta get the right guys playing together. You gotta keep your guys motivated. It's a challenge and definitely a learning process, but I really enjoy it. Especially the drafting and trading.
You guys have struggled this year, posting a 3-9 record so far. Do you consider the Whalers legitiment contenders despite the record?
Absolutely. Our attendance has been an issue all season but we had basically a full squad this past week for the first time and I think we played pretty well against a tough Moose team. The more we play together, the better our chemistry can be. Plus, when you got the biggest difference maker in the league between the pipes, you always have a legitimate chance.
Describe to me “Whaler Hockey”.
Whaler hockey starts and ends with Jimmy Besterci. We want to try to get a lead and lock down in front of him. Make the simple plays. Clear the net. We also want to play as scrappy and physical game as possible. I use the phrase "muck it up" a lot because we have a team full of guys who like to get chippy. We've had more talent on hand lately, so we're trying to play a more traditional style than we have, but we'll still be trying play our brand of hockey.
Who on the Whalers (besides goaltender Jim Besterci) has fully bought into your system and lead the way for teammates.
I think Adam Pander really defines our system, but I'm extremely impressed with the way Ryan Fish has bought in and evolved his game.
What team do you feel poses the biggest threat to win the cup?
Crosbys. No question.
You’ve won 3 of the last 4 good guy awards. Do you think you will even make the ballot this year after changing your tone as a captain?
Nope. That was kind of my gameplan anyways. You're not gonna be able to please everyone. Plus I enjoy heckling Meade way too much.
Favorite FHL player to watch?
Jimmy
Favorite NHL player?
Jordan Staal
Current FHL MVP?
Bonacorso
Best 2 FHL goaltenders?
Jimmy and Kwolek I'd say. Hard to argue against anybody as 2 though. And I love what I've seen from Joey Neutral
Favorite sport other than hockey?
Baseball
Most underrated player in the FHL?
Ryan Mains
Dirtiest player in the league?
Adam Cristallini right now.
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