#16 Mike York
Do you watch football or basketball? - ? Nicole, 4th grader, LI
Absolutely. growing up in Michigan, I watched all of the major sports. I followed football a little closer than basketball, because basketball and hockey season overlap, so I was more concerned about watching pucks than watching hoops!
Is figure skating much different from ice hockey skating? - Kristen, 4th grader, LI
It's a lot different in that the skates have different blades and you use different edges when you stride. The basics of how to skate are still the same, but the footwork, the jumps and spins are obviously much different.
Did the Olympic Hockey team have alternates to play? - Joshua, 5th grader, NYC
We had a set roster of 23 players at the games, but if a player was injured prior to arriving in Salt Lake, then there was a short list of players that would be added to the team.
Do you consider playing hockey fun or a hard job? - Danny, 4th grader, LI
Playing hockey is first and foremost always fun. Sure, it's hard and sometimes when things aren't going well you get a little down, but you always have to remember that it's a game and we are lucky to be able to make a living playing it.
Did anyone inspire you to play? If so who and how? - Laura grade 6, LI
For me, my brothers played a huge role in my interest in the sport. Hockey is pretty big in Michigan, and my brothers were always playing. In the driveway, the backyard, our basement, the local rink - wherever we could play. They used to rough me up a little because I was the youngest, but it helped me learn the game. As a kid, I was a big fan of
former Ranger Pat Lafontaine, because he was not that big of a guy, but was very skilled and really understood the game. I wear #16 because that was Pat's number.
Did you ever knock down the goalie from hitting him with a slapshot? - Danny grade 6, LI
I work more on my accuracy than the power of my shot, because I'm not that big of a guy. I try to hit the corners of the net, and most of the time I shoot a wrist shot or a snap shot because I have to get the shot
off quickly.
What is the most rewarding thing about playing hockey? Good Luck. - Laura grade 6, LI
I am very fortunate to be able to play a game that I love as my job. It has allowed me to meet some great people and travel to some great places. The most rewarding thing about playing hockey is knowing that
you've given your best everyday and that you are working with others to achieve a common goal.
Outside of the competition what are you most looking forward to about the Olympic games? - Stella, 9th grader, LI
It's my first Olympic experience, so I'm looking forward to taking it all in. From living in the Olympic village with the other athletes to seeing other great athletes perform in the other events. I am most excited about representing my country.
In my town soccer is the big sport to play. In Michigan is hockey the big sport? - Becky, 6th grader, LI
Hockey is very popular in Michigan. Because of the weather, we're able to play outdoors more often than many other areas of the country.
Who was your sports role model? - Jenny, 6th grader, LI
My role model was Pat Lafontaine who is from the Michigan area. He's the reason I wear number 16.
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