|
Would you like to know more about Manitoba Moose playmaker Jason Jaffray? Jason fielded questions from fans around the world in the most recent Ask-a-Moose forum. Read his answers below, and stay tuned for the next Ask-a-Moose announcement, coming soon!
|
 |
What is your favourite childhood memory? Ada - Winnipeg, MB
|
 |
My childhood consisted of every sport possible. If my parents let me play it, I played it. But the thing that sticks out in my mind is watching my brother play hockey and baseball. He passed away when I was 11 but he taught me so much before he left. A day doesn't pass by without me thinking what he would be doing today and how my life would be different because of it.
|
|
Growing up in Alberta, who did you cheer for: Edmonton or Calgary? Matt - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I was and still am a huge Mark Messier fan, so definately the Oilers. But I do have to admit that I did jump on the Flames bandwagon in the playoffs a couple of years ago.
|
|
Jason, what made you decide to play in the WHL instead of playing in college hockey or something else? Mark - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I decided to play in the WHL because my summer hockey coach, Ron Dube, was a scout for the Kootenay Ice and he traded for my rights from the Red Deer Rebels. And he was a big fan of mine, so I knew that I would have a good shot of making the team. Also, it was just a dream of mine growing up.
|
|
Hi Jason! I have been a big fan of yours since your rookie season in Roanoke. How did playing in Roanoke help your career, and was there a particular player that mentored you while in Roanoke? Best of luck Jaffs! Brittany - Roanoke, VA
|
|
Hi Brittany, I remember you. It had to be Rick Kowalsky. He was one of the best captains I have ever had and a great player to play with. I actually still talk to him whenever I need advice. He was a great guy to have on my side for my first pro season.
|
|
What was it like playing in Cleveland? I know the fan support wasn't great, so did you look forward to heading out on the road? And with the Barons relocating to Worcester next season, do you think any type of pro hockey could survive there after the AHL leaves? Matt - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
Yeah, the fan support wasn't great but they were the first AHL team to give me a shot so I can't say a bad thing about them. Nobody really looks forward to going on the road because hotels get old fast. But I think football and basketball are way too big in that city to be able to support a hockey team.
|
|
What team(s) were you trying to sign with and how did you end up in Manitoba? Anonymous - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I was called up to Cleveland las tyear because of injuries but I played really well so they couldn't send me down. Manitoba was interested and had called about me earlier in the year so when Cleveland was healthy again and my PTO was up, Manitoba signed me. There was some confusion about my contract situation in the Cleveland front office, but when it came down to it, Manitoba was a better team and a better fit.
|
|
Out of all the different cities you've played in so far in your career, which is your favourite (besides Winnipeg, lol)? Anita - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I liked playing in Norfolk, Virginia my first year. I had a place right on Virginia Beach and you would wake up every morning watching surfers ride the waves. I only played a few games in my time there but it was probably my favourite city other than Winnipeg.
|
|
What is your favourite city to visit while playing in the AHL? Matt - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I like going to Chicago because the fans are great and the city is fun too. I can't complain when we go to Houston and San Antonio either because the weather is great. Pretty much the opposite of Winnipeg.
|
|
Hi Jason! I love going to the Moose games and am a big fan of the Moose. I was just wondering who is your best friend on the team and are you roommates with them when on the road? Kelly - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
My roommate on the road is Brett Skinner, but my best buddy on the team is probably Rick Rypien. We were roommates last year and had a good time together.
|
|
What is it like playing with UND alumni Lee goren and Ryan Bayda? Matt - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
They are both great players and it is great to have that chemistry between the two of them before we even played together. My big thing is getting used to playing center. We have had so many centremen get hurt this year that I had to learn another position. But playing with those two makes things a lot easier.
|
|
Jason, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. I think you have really picked up your game this year and get yourself noticed every game. Is there anything in particular you attribute this to (playing with some great new veterans, more ice time, etc.)? Also, you are doing some great community work -- Keep it up! Patricia - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I think it was gaining the confidence of the head coach. At the start of the year I was getting healthy scratched and it was tough to have confidence in yourself. But the more ice time I got the more the coach liked me and now I don't think he hesitates to put me in any position.
|
|
Jason, how would you feel if you were called up to play for the Vancouver Canucks? Varinder - Surrey, BC
|
|
Obviously I would be ecstatic. It has been my dream ever since I was five years old to play in the NHL, so to be able to reach that goal, I think I would be so excited I wouldn't know what to do with myself. But honestly, I am trying to play well so I don't get sent down, let alone be called up. It has been quite a battle to get into this league, so Vancouver is not even in my head right now.
|
|
What do you do in your off-season? Anonymous - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I usually work for my dad at Agricore United for the first month and a half. I play a lot of golf and work out lots. Then in the last half of July and August I work for hockey schools all over Western Canada. Actually, the company I work for is running the Moose hockey school this year.
|
|
What would a day in the life of Jason Jaffray be like? C.W. - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
Well, I have the best job in the world. In the morning I get to the rink around 9am and have a bagel and a coffee. We usually practice for an hour to an hour and a half. Then we have a workout for about an hour and usually our day is over. So I usually am home around 1:30 to 2:00 and the rest of the night I spend with my wife.
|
|
What do you eat as a pre-game meal? Brett - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I just got married this summer and my wife is a great cook. She has her chicken parmigan with spaghetti and meatballs down to a science. I am very superstitious. We have been playing well, so I always want the same meal.
|
|
What pre-game music do you listen to? Shelly - Brandon, MB
|
|
I really don't choose any of the music in the room because guys bring in their iPods. My mom owns a CD and book store back at home, so I promised never to touch those things. But I got a great selection of CDs of everything but country.
|
|
Hi Mr. Jaffray. I am a big fan of yours. I started going to your Kootenay games when I was just six years old. My question is: Do you have a family, like a wife or kids or dogs or cats? Thank you and I hope you continue to play awesome!!! Heidi - Cranbrook, BC
|
|
Yes, I got married to a Cranbrook girl actually. I married Michelle this past summer and actually bought her a little puppy named Cooper for Christmas this year.
|
|
Hi Jason, I was just wondering what your career goal is. Jack - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I think anyone's career goal who is playing in the AHL is to get a shot in the NHL. But honestly, I just want to be successful in what I do. If at the end of the road I know that I have given it my all to make the next step and I am still not there, I will consider myself successful. Because I have worked hard to accomplish what I have.
|
|
Hi Jason. first, I just wanted to say that I think you are an awesome player and I am glad to have you on the Moose. My question is: What is your favourite thing about playing in Winnipeg? Kendle - Winnipeg, MB
|
|
I think it has got to be the fans. I came from Cleveland last year where you could hear your own echo when calling for the puck. So to come to a city where you're averaging close to 8,000 people, it gives you quite the rush on the ice.
|
|
|
