“If I had to pick three players to start a franchise, I’d choose Hasek, Peter Forsberg and Eric Lindros.”

I grew up such a fan. It was my life. Everything I did was hockey related and everything I have is because of hockey and the NHL.

I wasn’t naturally gifted in terms of size and speed; everything I did in hockey I worked for, and that’s the way I’ll be as a coach.

By no means could I play at the level of these kids who play in the NHL now but as 50-year-olds go, I feel really good and I feel blessed that I’m still healthy.

We played in an era where you were taught to hate your opponent. But life changes. I raise my kids differently than my mom and dad raised their kids.

And people who know me would tell you that away from hockey I’m really not that competitive.

I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.

Eight days ago, we were the toast of the town. Eight days later we’re Thanksgiving turkeys.

When you’re playing an exhibition, you’re kind of letting everyone get an opportunity.

No matter who you are, we’re creatures of habit. The better your habits are, the better they will be in pressure situations.

There’s no perfect coach in the world. Coaches are human, too. Mistakes are made. But, fundamentally, if you’re sound, you eliminate as many mistakes as possible.

Hockey is my life. I love every minute of it.

Growing up, I was always the small guy.

Only one thing is ever guaranteed, that is that you will definitely not achieve the goal if you don’t take the shot.

Kids don’t fight in minor hockey anymore. There’s very few fights in junior and college hockey. So growing up, all these guys are not fighting.

When I was 5 and playing against 11-year-olds, who were bigger, stronger, faster, I just had to figure out a way to play with them.

It really doesn’t matter or concern me what people are saying or who thinks who is the favorite. The bottom line is you have to play.