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Would you like to know more about Manitoba Moose rookie and former Regina Pat Rick Rypien? Rick 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!
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What made you want to play hockey when you first started? Did you play any other sports growing up? Andrew - Grand Forks, ND
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I got into hockey at age four and really enjoyed it and have stuck with it. I played golf and my dad taught me how to box for fun at a young age.
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Who is your favourite hockey player and why do you admire that hockey player? Shelley - Pincher Creek, AB
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Right now, Jarome Iginla because he is a great leader, he fights when he has to, and he's just an all around great player.
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Rick, what was the best part of being able to play your entire WHL career in Regina? Shauna - Regina, SK
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The best part would be the people I met and the support I got making it easy to play there. For a junior team, it's a great city to play in and a great organization.
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Hey Rick. What do you think is the major difference playing at the AHL level than the WHL level? I watched you play a few games with the Regina Pats at the MTS Centre before, and I also watched you play with the Moose, but I was wondering if you had to change your style of play while jumping to the A. Tyler - Winnipeg, MB
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Well, in the AHL all the players playing are great players and at this level you've got to be at your best every day. I've tried not to change my style: that's what got me here.
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You've been playing a lot on a line with Jimmy Roy and Mike Keane. What have you learned from playing with these two pro veterans? Andre - Winnipeg, MB
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I have a lot of respect for Jimmy and Keaner. Both players I admire and look up to. I learn something new from these two everyday. They give me advice and make me feel confident as a player.
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Being a Moose fan for many years, I have to ask what you think your main task is as one of the younger stars on the Moose? PS - Go Moose. Kyle - Winnipeg, MB
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As a young player I think I've got to keep my game simple and try to bring energy for every game. I have lots to learn and develop as a player.
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How does it feel going from an undrafted prospect into being offered a tryout contract with the Moose into getting a contract with an NHL club? Andrew - Grand Forks, ND
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It's a pretty amazing feeling; it all happened in a short period of time, but it's only a start. I still have a ways to go and I have a lot of work ahead of me.
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Rick, what do you most like about the new rules? Brad - Ashern, MB
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I enjoy the new shoot out rule but I really like the speed of the game because you can't hold players up anymore and you have to be able to play. This in return is going to make players better.
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I know you're one of those players who'll never back down in a fight and I give you lots of credit for it. But what goes through your mind when you're in the middle of a fight? Moose Fan Forever - Anola, MB
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Actually, in the middle of a fight I don't think anything is going on in my mind. You don't have time to think. Even after the fight you've got to try to remember what just happened.
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What has been your best moment while playing with the Manitoba Moose? Jordyne - Winnipeg, MB
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I think coming up to Manitoba last year, playing some regular season games, and then playing in the playoffs. It was a great experience and the atmosphere and fan support was unbelievable.
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What is the biggest crowd you've ever played in front of? Evan - Winnipeg, MB
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When the MTS Centre was sold out for the 2004-05 playoffs last year.
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Have you always been a physical player, or is that something that developed recently? What were your strengths as a kid playing hockey? Rob - Selkirk, MB
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I've always tried to get involved physically; with all the big players out there, you've got to be physical. As a kid I scored more goals and I was very small, so I like to buzz around the ice.
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Hey Rick, I've been a fan of yours since your dub days with the Pats and it's great to see you doing so well. My question is: Do you have any pre-game rituals? Thanks and keep up the hard work . . . us Pats fans miss ya! Krista - Regina, SK
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Well, on gameday I try to do the same routine everyday from the time I get up to game time. I get up, eat, go to the rink, have a good pre-game meal, have a nap and think about the game, and get ready to play. On gameday I don't do anything else but focus on hockey.
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Hey Rick! You are a player of great intensity and energy matched by few in this league. I'm just wondering what gets you up for every game. Is there something you tell yourself? Maybe a song? A teammate? Thanks. Rory - Winnipeg, MB
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Before the game I go over a few things in my head. But this is what I love and this is my job. Playing in the AHL alone gets me up and you have to be ready for every game at this level.
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Hey Rick! First off, you're great! One of the best Moose rookies I've seen in years. I can imagine you're always busy with hockey, but how do you spend your off season? With family or friends, that someone special? Or do you even have time for that sort of thing? Jennifer - Calgary, AB
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During the year I don't see too much of my family or friends, just lots of phone calls. So, in the off-season, I spend a lot of time with family and friends. I think it's important to do that.
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Hi! I love going to Moose games. I would like to know who your best friend on the team is. Justin - Winnipeg, MB
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We have a great group of guys and I am friends with everyone. I get along with Jimmy: he makes everyone laugh. Keaner is a great guy who is my road roommate, and Darby, my roommate, is a beauty.
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Are you looking forward to your upcoming break? Do you keep in touch with anyone from Regina? Have a good Xmas! Barry - Regina, SK
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I'm looking forward to the break to see my family and friends and to get re-focused for the second half. That is what the Christmas break is all about, being with family and friends. I keep in touch with lots of people. I made many great friends while I was there.
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With Christmas soon approaching, what is the one thing you wish Santa Claus would bring you this year? Andrew - Grand Forks, ND
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I wish Santa could bring me some softer hands around the net. And Merry Christmas to everyone as well!
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