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A last word from Tiger Justin Nice




By Jeff Doner

Over the next few weeks, The Auroran is doing a series of Q and A's with some of the Aurora Tigers Junior A players who are moving on to the next step in their hockey and academic careers. Next up is gritty forward Justin Nice.

Born: Mississauga (Now in Aurora)

Age/birthday: May 23, 1993 (19)

Seasons with Tigers: 3

Shoots: Left

Position: Left wing

Past hockey career: “I played with the Young Nationals in my draft year and the Jr. Canadiens the year after that (Both Toronto teams). I've played all over the GTHL.”
Season Stats with Tigers: GP 51 – G 4 – A 6 – PTS 10 – PIM 41

Best memory playing with Tigers: “The locker room and all the guys and everything. They're just a great group of guys – the memories I have with all of them, I don't think I could even try to share them all. This season was a highlight, because we finished first. That was definitely a big accomplishment for us.”

What's on tap for next season: Has committed to Curry College in Massachusetts, like Tigers teammate Brett Sinclair. He will be taking management and most likely finance.

Why this school? “They had me down there for a visit and the coach met with my dad and I and he seemed like a great guy. I also visited Wentworth when I went down and it was located right downtown, but between the two, Curry College is more like a campus type school and I just liked the atmosphere and a lot of school spirit. It's a beautiful campus.”
What will it be like going down to Massachusetts to play with teammate Brett Sinclair? “I've known him since last year and we've been best friends – he lived with Dylan Sikura, who lives right down the road from me, so we were always hanging out. It's going to be a lot of fun with him. It's nice to know someone that will be down there.”

Hobbies: “I love golf. I'm a big golfer. I also like to go up to cottages and go wakeboarding. But I also work a lot, so I don't have a lot of spare time.”

Any other sports? “Growing up I played a lot of lacrosse. I went to St. Andrew's from Grade Nine to 11, so I played on the varsity lacrosse team. From there, hockey just kind of took over with training and everything and going down to tournaments, so I just dropped that. I still get out and golf whenever I can.”

Favourite movie: “I'd say Miracle. That's just a great inspiring story that always gets me fired up to play hockey. But I'm not really a movie or TV guy.”

On your ipod: “I'll listen to whatever. One of the guys on the team actually loads stuff on my iPod for me (Adam Moody). I'll listen to whatever is popular at the time. I listen to a lot of country as well. But I have a workout playlist and then some country to relax to.”

Favourite hockey team and why? “Toronto Maple Leafs. I was born and raised a Leaf fan even though they haven't been that great in past seasons, although they are playing well now, but I'll always be a Leaf fan.”

Who will win the Stanley Cup this year? “The Pittsburgh Penguins. Once they get Crosby back they'll be unstoppable, I feel.”

Favourite NHL player: “Sidney Crosby. He's just an all-around great leader and just class on the ice.”

Which super hero would you want to be, why? “Superman. He's invincible except for kryptonite, right?”

Who is your hero/idol/role model? “I'd like to say my parents for that, just sticking with me throughout all my years playing hockey, driving me around to practices and helping me through the hard times and everything. I really appreciate everything they've done for me.”

Best thing about playing for the Tigers: “The coaching staff. JR was a great coach and he really helped develop me a lot and become a better player and he showed me the way. The equipment mangers, Dave and Randy and the owners, they got everything we needed, so I really appreciated all that. They always kind of spoiled us, which was nice.”

What will you miss about it: “The Junior A lifestyle, just not working or going to school or anything. I'll miss that quite a bit. I'm excited to go play hockey down in the States. That's always been my dream.”

What type of hockey player are you, what are you known for? “I'm more of a grinder, or a gritty player. I dig in the corner and get the puck out to the guys. I always try to motivate the team.”

Best accomplishment on and off the ice: “This year I got in a couple fights to try and get the guys going. We had a good year. Off the ice, going down to Boston to pursue my dream is the big one.”

If you had a slogan or motto, what would it be: “Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't do something. If you want it bad enough, just go out and get it yourself.”
Are you superstitious? “No. I'm not superstitious at all.”

Stance on fighting in hockey: “It'll always be a part of the game. It has been ever since it has started. I think [junior] should just have a five-minute fighting rule just like the OHL. I think it's just a part of hockey and I don't think it'll ever be taken out.”

Should all NHL players be made to wear visors? “It's a smart idea. The amount of guys that are getting hit nowadays – I would wear a visor if I was playing in the NHL, that's for sure.”

If you were GM of Team Canada, who would be your top forward, defenseman and goalie? “Sidney Crosby at forward, Shea Weber on defense and Carey Price in goal.”

Coach's comment [James Richmond]: “Justin came to the Tigers three seasons ago and filled the role as a player that played with a lot of energy and sandpaper. He has been a good team guy in the dressing room and always the first player to come to the defense of one of his teammates. Justin will take his energy game and strong puck pursuit to Curry College Massachusetts this fall where he has accepted a hockey scholarship. The Aurora Tiger family wishes Justin the very best and thank him for his commitment to the team and Town of Aurora.”
Post date: 2013-04-16 12:18:57
Post date GMT: 2013-04-16 16:18:57
Post modified date: 2013-04-23 13:28:39
Post modified date GMT: 2013-04-23 17:28:39
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