I was fortunate to play for Toronto one year (1998-99) and I quickly realized what that team means to the city and to Ontario -- it's the Maple Leafs Nation.

Paul and Joe have had a massive influence on how much I love my job. I've come to learn that hockey is what I do, it's a part of me but I also know there are a lot of different things out there. I've just got a great balance with everything.

It's gone faster than any season I've been involved in. I don't know if it's because it's new to me or because I just love my job.

I do want to play every day, so if [Triple-A] is where I have to go to be in the middle of the lineup and produce runs, then so be it.

It was kind of an inspiration to see Vernell make that play, because of everything he's been through. I know I was jumping up and down on the sideline. It was kind of embarrassing not to win a bowl game, so this game was really big for us.

It's more positional play now. Before, if you got beat, your first instinct was to grab and hook and in most cases, you were allowed to get away with that, especially when you were short-handed. Now, if you do that, they call it, and you're down five on three. Your body position has to be a lot better.