A final word from former Tiger John Doyle

May 28, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Jeff Doner

The Auroran has been doing a series of Q and A’s with some of the Aurora Tigers Jr. A players who are moving on to the next step in their hockey and academic careers. This week is power forward John Doyle, who played half a season with the Tigers and is now headed to New York State to play NCAA hockey for Morrisville State College. Good luck, John!

ORANGEVILLE, ON – Sep 19 : Ontario Junior Hockey League Game Action between the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots and the Orangeville Flyers, John Doyle of the Orangeville Flyer’s Hockey Club..(Photo by Brian Watts / OJHL Images)

Born: New Lowell, ON

Age/birthday: Feb 3, 1992 (21)

Seasons with Tigers: 1

Shoots: Right

Position: Forward/right wing

Past hockey career: “I started my Junior career in Stayner (Jr. C) and then from there I went to Stratford when I was 19 and then I went to Jr. A in Orangeville and then I was traded to Aurora.”

Season Stats: GP 35 – G 7 – A 16 – PTS 23 – PIM 10

Best memory playing with Tigers? “That would be first getting on the bus to go to Trenton for my first game – that was the first time Blake Forslund and I met the team. We had a good game in Trenton, I met all the guys and it was just a good memory.”

What’s on tap for next season? “I’m going to play division three hockey for Morrisville State [New York State]. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since I was younger, so I’m glad it worked out.”

Hobbies? “In the summer I like to be outdoors, go fishing, get out on the water as much as I can and other than that it’s just training. It has become part of my habit.”

Favourite movie? Happy Gilmore

Favourite sports movie? Miracle

On your iPod? “Mostly country and rock, with a few new tracks. I like listening to Metallica and the Tragically Hip before games.”

Favourite hockey team and why? “I’d have to say the Leafers. That was a tough loss last week.”

Who will win the Stanley Cup this year? “Let’s go with the Detroit Red Wings.”

Favourite NHL player? Darcy Tucker

Which super hero would you want to be, why? “I’d probably want to be Batman because he drives a sweet car.”

Who is your hero/idol/role model? “There’s a couple running through my mind, but I’d have to say my dad. He’s helped me through whatever I’ve pursued in hockey and in school.”

Best thing about playing for the Tigers? “Playing with those guys was pretty fun. Coming in right towards the end of the season, I was expecting it to be hard finding a place on the team, but they were all really good with me and great guys. The season didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, but I had a great time while I was there.”

Who is the funniest guy on the team? “Brett Sinclair. He’s a pretty funny guy. He’s really nonchalant and I find that hilarious.”

What type of hockey player are you, what are you known for? “I like Tucker’s grittiness for sure. There’s definitely a part of me in that, but I think I’m a power forward who can go in the corners and get the puck and chip in offensively once in a while too.”

Best accomplishment? “I think most recently getting into division three. I think that’s my biggest accomplishment on the ice.”

Are you superstitious? “Yeah, I have pregame habits. It’s not something like I have to keep everything the same on game day, but there are things I always like to do before the game to get focused. I try not to think about it too much, I just like to be in the moment.”

Stance on fighting in hockey: “I think it’s always going to be a part of the game. I don’t see many other sports with the same rules in terms of fighting, but I think it separates the game apart from other sports and I think it’s a major part of the game. I think there’s definitely room for fighting in the game. I don’t see why it should be put out of the game.”

Should all NHL players be made to wear visors? “If I went to the NHL, I would wear one just because of the speed of the game, but as far as making it mandatory, I don’t see that happening in the near future.”

If you were GM of Team Canada, who would be your top forward, defenceman and goalie? “Sidney Crosby at forward, Captain Canada. Then Drew Doughty for my defenceman and my goalie I would go with Martin Brodeur. I think Marty could pull it out.”