The Commissioner's Corner - Bill Seaman

First off, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us Mr. Seaman. This is a long awaited and highly anticipated interview with one of the leagues all-time greats.

I think the question everyone wants to know is how do you still do it? The longevity you have displayed is simply unmatched.
Good genes, healthy living…I don’t know, maybe the long off-season training in Russia with Jeff Rogers and Zack Sinawski. But honestly, I think it just comes down to my love of sports and the game of hockey. I played one sport or another everyday growing up. We were ALWAYS outside playing something or another, every single day. I am in some sorts, just a big kid who never wanted to grow up. I still love to play, but now, I realize that the key to longevity is to try and stay in shape and to not stop playing, because once you do, it is so hard to get back in shape. There is a quote that some of the older players need to start learning, one that I live by, “If you did not know how old you were, how old would you be?” You are as old as you feel. Some days I’m 25, some I’m 70.


Is the larger FHL surface more difficult for you to play on?
No, not really. I have played on deks this size for so long that there really was not that big of an adjustment. I actually prefer this surface to playing at the original FHL site. The new dek forces you to run a little more and play positional hockey. You have to know what you’re doing on a larger surface; otherwise, your weaknesses are really exposed.

You started off the season leading a young but talented Jets team. However, you were traded to the Thunder at the deadline in a 3-team deal that left some league members scratching their heads. What do you make of the Jets chances moving forward and what has it been like so far in your short stint with the Thunder?
I think the Jets will be just fine. They have quality players and a strong goalie. Once college is done and the team leaders can attend regularly, I think they will be just as difficult to face as anyone. It was hard leaving such a young group of players, but things happen for a reason. I wish them luck.

As for the moving on to the Thunder, it has been a lot of fun playing with great offensive players like Kanz and the McDonald’s, but it is tougher on me personally not having the depth on the bench each week. At my age, it is nice to have a couple lines on defense so that I can catch a breather here and there. Hopefully, we can get better commitment for the stretch drive and for the playoffs. If that happens, I fully believe that the Thunder will be tough to beat.

You are technically a 3-time FHL cup champion (Crosby’s, Jets, Moose). But last year with the Moose was the first time you were present for the actual championship game. How special of a moment was that?
Playing in the finals was something I had been waiting to do a long, long time. Unfortunately the first two championships that my former teams made took place the same weekend that I chaperoned the History Club trips at school. So, playing and winning last year was a great experience. Zack really put a solid team together that season. Hopefully, I can raise the cup this year with the Thunder.

Is there one particular thing that still drives you?
At this point, it is no longer just the love of the game; it is also the challenge of keeping up with the rest of the league. The last thing I want to do is hang on too long and hurt my team, but as long as I am contributing, and can run, I will fight, claw, and scratch for another FHL Cup. I love coming out to the rink each week and playing. It will be difficult for me to just quit. Plus, I LOVE the competition too much. And if you have played with me long enough, you know that I hate losing. I guess being successful is what drives me to keep playing.


You’ve played with some pretty talented players throughout your career. Who has been your favorite to play with and why?
That is a really tough question. There have been so many talented players over the years that I have played alongside. Defensively, I would say Drano. He and I have played together outside of the FHL for many seasons and there is a definite comfort zone there. In the FHL, playing with left-handed Buddy Doyle a few years ago was a real treat. We both have similar offensive styles and playing on the off wing with him, we were always able to set each other up for shots. Brian Barca is another person that I meshed well with from Day 1. We both move well without the ball and like to pass a lot, plus he is so easy to play with because he is so vocal. You always know were he’s at and he has that knack of finding the soft spots on the other teams defense to give himself a good scoring opportunity. There certainly is a good chemistry there.

Who poses the most serious threat to the Thunder?
Again, a tough question. In the FHL, every team is a threat; there are no gimme’s in the FHL.

Of course we have to ask this… How many years do you think you have left in the tank?
I wish I knew. I can only take it a season at a time. When I think that I have been playing organized hockey longer then most of the league has been living, well I certainly realize that I am pretty far on the downside of my career. I would like to play another 3 years though.,..50 is a nice round number to hang them up. We’ll see though, I am starting to feel my age more and more recently. It’s been a long season. I might need to head back to the Mother Country for some off-season conditioning!


Just a few quick hitters now..

Favorite NHL player of all time?
If it’s not Gary Rissling, then it would have to be Mario Lemieux or Paul Coffey

Favorite FHL player to watch?
Kanz or Bono. Their shots and stick handling are unmatched.

Best FHL goalie?
When he was on, Mr. Meade was sure tough to beat.

Favorite sport other than hockey?
Baseball

Most underrated FHL player?
Ryan Perhac. In my opinion, he may be the best defensemen in the league.

FHL MVP?
Mr. Campbell, without him we would not have such a great facility to play on.

God Bless the FHL!!!!