For those interested in Jack Prince...
Apr 10, 2015 13:04:52 GMT
via mobile
Rob Scott, kezypanther, and 1 more like this
Post by nate24 on Apr 10, 2015 13:04:52 GMT
Here is an interview I did with him for the Lions website:
Could you briefly in your own words recap what you've been up too since leaving Nottingham?
Since leaving the Lions team in 2007... I have played two seasons in Detroit, Michigan for the Little Caesars U19 team, three seasons in Dallas, Texas for the Texas Tornado, and am currently in my third season here in Huntsville, Alabama playing for the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers.
What are you studying?
I am in my third out of four years studying accounting.
What made you choose Alabama?
I chose to play here in Alabama because of the programs history and the school is very good and well known.
You spent a good few years in the junior system in Nottingham, how much has that prepared you for college hockey in the US?
The junior system in Nottingham is one of the best, if not the top junior system in the country. It did not matter whether it was my coaches, my teammates, or another age groups coach there was always people pushing you to get better every single time you got to the rink. Being challenged to play up an age group definitely helped prepare me because it gave me more ice time, which everyone knows is hard to come by in the UK.
Are there any coaches or team mates you feel had a major impact on your development and why?
Yes, growing up there were always players my age and older that were better than myself. They forced me to play hockey at a level that challenged me and made me a better hockey player. Coach wise, I had many. My first coach Les Strongman who taught me to stickhandle, shoot, and skate. Then along came Paul Woodhouse, Roger Stones, Marc Roberts, Martin Etheridge, Jason Scott "Chic" and Mike Urquhart who all in there own way enhanced my game.
Playing in both systems (Development team such as the Lions and College in the US) what do you think the pro's and cons of the British system are?
The pros of the British system are that there is a system for player to mature through. There is the club system, if players are good enough they can play for their conference, and then if chose can play for their country. The progression in that system is great. Although, once you reach the Lions your choice becomes scary and wear the con of the British system lies. Every player matures and develops at a different rate, unfortunately for late developers there is no where to continue to develop after the Lions. Their choice is to turn professional and have to compete with more experienced players, such as imports from around the world or concentrate on academics and play for fun.
Do you think more British players should consider the route you have taken and why?
Yes, if given the opportunity to move North America to play hockey it should be taken. the chance to practice every day and play 30+ games a season is something that can not be given to a player in Britain. Although, the player has to be a very focused and driven individual because it is a hard transition to make.
What are your highlights of your career so far?
Since moving to America I have been very fortunate and lucky in the places I have played and the teams I have played on. I have won two national championships as well as receiving my scholarship to play hockey here at UAH.
2009 U19 AAA Tier I National Champions: Detroit Little Caesars.
2012 Junior A Tier II National Champions: Texas Tornado.
2012 received a scholarship to play for the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to play professional hockey.
What is your favourite memory of playing with the Lions?
My favourite memory with the lions is being 15 and playing with guys that had been playing hockey for 15 years. Being able to watch and learn from them was priceless.
What do you miss about playing in Nottingham?
I miss being able to play in front of my family and friends. Hopefully I can return one day to be involved in the Nottingham hockey system in one way or another.
Could you briefly in your own words recap what you've been up too since leaving Nottingham?
Since leaving the Lions team in 2007... I have played two seasons in Detroit, Michigan for the Little Caesars U19 team, three seasons in Dallas, Texas for the Texas Tornado, and am currently in my third season here in Huntsville, Alabama playing for the University of Alabama in Huntsville Chargers.
What are you studying?
I am in my third out of four years studying accounting.
What made you choose Alabama?
I chose to play here in Alabama because of the programs history and the school is very good and well known.
You spent a good few years in the junior system in Nottingham, how much has that prepared you for college hockey in the US?
The junior system in Nottingham is one of the best, if not the top junior system in the country. It did not matter whether it was my coaches, my teammates, or another age groups coach there was always people pushing you to get better every single time you got to the rink. Being challenged to play up an age group definitely helped prepare me because it gave me more ice time, which everyone knows is hard to come by in the UK.
Are there any coaches or team mates you feel had a major impact on your development and why?
Yes, growing up there were always players my age and older that were better than myself. They forced me to play hockey at a level that challenged me and made me a better hockey player. Coach wise, I had many. My first coach Les Strongman who taught me to stickhandle, shoot, and skate. Then along came Paul Woodhouse, Roger Stones, Marc Roberts, Martin Etheridge, Jason Scott "Chic" and Mike Urquhart who all in there own way enhanced my game.
Playing in both systems (Development team such as the Lions and College in the US) what do you think the pro's and cons of the British system are?
The pros of the British system are that there is a system for player to mature through. There is the club system, if players are good enough they can play for their conference, and then if chose can play for their country. The progression in that system is great. Although, once you reach the Lions your choice becomes scary and wear the con of the British system lies. Every player matures and develops at a different rate, unfortunately for late developers there is no where to continue to develop after the Lions. Their choice is to turn professional and have to compete with more experienced players, such as imports from around the world or concentrate on academics and play for fun.
Do you think more British players should consider the route you have taken and why?
Yes, if given the opportunity to move North America to play hockey it should be taken. the chance to practice every day and play 30+ games a season is something that can not be given to a player in Britain. Although, the player has to be a very focused and driven individual because it is a hard transition to make.
What are your highlights of your career so far?
Since moving to America I have been very fortunate and lucky in the places I have played and the teams I have played on. I have won two national championships as well as receiving my scholarship to play hockey here at UAH.
2009 U19 AAA Tier I National Champions: Detroit Little Caesars.
2012 Junior A Tier II National Champions: Texas Tornado.
2012 received a scholarship to play for the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to play professional hockey.
What is your favourite memory of playing with the Lions?
My favourite memory with the lions is being 15 and playing with guys that had been playing hockey for 15 years. Being able to watch and learn from them was priceless.
What do you miss about playing in Nottingham?
I miss being able to play in front of my family and friends. Hopefully I can return one day to be involved in the Nottingham hockey system in one way or another.
