Interview with Paul Bissonnette
Eric Politowski | Interviews (Faceoff Factor Exclusives)
Sep 12, 07:59 PM | Hype this story!
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins’ left wing Paul Bissonnette recently took his time to answer some questions for Faceoff-Factor.
Eric Politowski: What was your most memorable moment of the 2007-2008 season?
Paul Bissonnette: Well all in all the whole season. Teams like that don’t come around often. But if I’d have to pick one I will say Tim Brent scoring in game 7 against Portland with 30 seconds left.
EP: Describe how your relationship drastically improved with the Penguins organization from past years to now.
PB: Well I won’t really get in to it but basically I’ve worked my way back in to their plans so all I can say is I’m excited to be a part of it.
EP: Do you prefer playing defense, or left wing?
PB: I prefer Defense, but for my role they think it’s best for me to play the wing. I agree it’s easier to be a pest and fighter as a forward.
EP: Do you envision yourself as an enforcer in the making? If not, what do you believe your track to the NHL will be?
PB: Enforcer is a strong word. I’m just a guy who enjoys fighting for my team. I’m not so much tough as I am willing. I’m not afraid to get beat up. So I see myself making it if I do as a pest slash middleweight fighter.
EP: When do you see yourself making your NHL debut?
PB: Well I’m hoping this year. I’ve worked hard this summer, but I still need work as a forward to better myself.
EP: Who is your favorite NHL fighter of all-time? Current fighter?
PB: I’d have to say Rick Tocchet, he’s a gamer. As for still playing I’d say Colton Orr and Josh Gratton who both play with the Rangers now.
EP: Out of all of your fighting majors, who was the toughest customer you’ve dropped the gloves with?
PB: Well I can think of 3 that gave me a hard time. [Kevin] Westgarth, [Jon] Mirasty, and [Ryan] Flinn. Those 3 are heavy’s in our league so it was tough getting use to.
EP: Favorite NHL player?
PB: Jarome Iginla, the guy does it all.
EP: Favorite movie?
PB: Raging Bull, big De Niro fan.
EP: Favorite band/artist?
PB: Way too many, but I love The Tragically Hip.
EP: Favorite sport/team outside of hockey?
PB: I’m a huge Packers fan even though Favre’s gone.
EP: Favorite roommate on the road?
PB: I roomed with [Dave] Brown the whole year so that’s an invalid question.
EP: What are your plans for this summer?
PB: Just training and visiting friends.
Thanks a lot Paul, we appreciate your time. Best of luck to you this upcoming season.
Comments
Matt Bodenschatz
Sep 13, 11:34 AM
I like that the Penguins have someone capable and willing to be a pest/middleweight fighter. These types of players are very valuable to have, as evidenced by the Penguins’ quick replacement of Ruutu with Cooke, Sean Avery’s interest around the league, and Ruutu’s contract with Ottawa.
In the past, I think the Penguins always tried to breed these high-powered offensive players and neglected so many other areas of the game. The system isn’t just for producing skilled players, and, with Talbot and Kennedy already on the roster, and Stone and Bissonnette in the waiting, it appears the Penguins have turned the corner. Now they need to develop a heavyweight fighter or two…
Brian Metzer
Sep 13, 12:47 PM
Nice interview…he has certainly come a long way from the interview I did with him just over a year ago. He came right out and told me that he didn’t see a future in Pittsburgh and if he were to make the NHL it would be with another team…
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8245
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