Interview with Drydn Dow

This time around I got to chat with Drydn Dow. I thought I did pretty good at restraining myself from flying off the handle-- "WHY HAVEN'T YOU BEEN PLAYING EVERY GAME?!?" And even if I had, these boys are so poised and polite, it's not like they're going to spill any locker room goings on, so would have been a waste of caps lock.  And we all know I use caps lock for only important reasons.

The interview was done a week ago, before the losses over the weekend so the response to the 2nd question is interesting.  Wondering now if the lack of commitment Dow mentions is the problem and if so, how to fix it.

But I digress, huge thanks to Drydn for taking the time to answer my questions.  Here ya go!

Dave Schultz:  The Americans have come off their best season in history and you were part of it.  What do you think was the key to the teams' success?

Drydn Dow:  Probably just our chemistry.  We had really great chemistry last year, everyone was good with everyone on the team.  We were just a hardworking team, might not have been the most skilled team but we all gave it 100% every game.

DS:  Do you see that trend continuing this season?  

DD:  Yeah for the most part.  We've had some games where we're not as committed or whatever, but from the start we're looking pretty good, hopefully we'll progress to same level we had last year.

DS:  Sounds good to me.  It sounds like many of you are hungry to get back in the playoffs again this year.

DD:  Absolutely.  It was a one-of-a-kind experience that's for sure and it'd be great to have again.

DS:  What do you do to mentally prepare yourself for games?

DD:  Usually I take a nap before the game.  When I'm in the shower I just get focused on what's next and what I'm expected to do for that night.  Other than that, just try not to think about the game as much as possible, I dunno, stay relaxed pretty much.

DS:  Is there any superstitious rituals or anything?

DD:  No, I don't really have any superstitions.  

DS:  Wow, you're the first.

DD:  Just keep my warmups routine the same, that's about it.

DS:  How do you feel you have improved as a player from a year ago?

DD:  I just feel like I've gotten stronger and I feel like I have more confidence now that it's my second  year and not my rookie season anymore.  I just feel like I have more confidence, can do more I guess.

DS:  Do you struggle with that confidence as you've sat out some games, as different defensemen are being rotated in?  

DD:  It's hard to sit out, you never want to sit out.  This year we have a strong D corps and it's almost expected that eventually you're going to have to sit out one game or two.  It just so happens it's about three right now so I'll just have to work hard every night to get in the lineup.

DS:  Do you pattern after any particular NHL player?

DD:  No, not exactly.  I like to think I try to play like Scott Neidermayer, I dunno.  Not really any particular--I like an offensive style of D play, Scott Neidermayer'd probably be my best.

DS:  Have you set any goals for this season, personal or team-wise?

DD:  Make that Mem Cup.  Making the finals last year was a good experience, I just want to get the Mem Cup this year and win that.

DS:  What do you find is the best part of being a member of a team?

DD:  Just chemistry with the boys pretty much.  Being able to be able bond and make a bunch of friends, I think that's the best.  Just having the boys around all the time and being able to bond with them.

DS:  Speaking of that, what has been your favorite off-ice team building activity?

DD:  This year, actually, we went to a little camp and that was actually really fun.  It was good for the pre-season to get the boys together and start the season off right pretty much.

DS:  And did the long hours on the road trip help that as well?

DD:  Well, a road trip's never fun, really.  People get to talk, it's always funner after a win though.

DS:  Why did you choose the number you wear and if you didn't get to choose, what number would you have chosen and why?

DD:  I didn't really get to choose number 4.  I'd probably choose number 6.  Ever since last year I was wearing 6, for no reason I guess.  When I was younger I liked the number.

DS:  Have you been the victim of a shoe-check?

DD:  (chuckles) oh yeah.

DS:  have you been able to pull that off on someone else?

DD:  Only once I think, usually one of the guys.  Brown was really good at pulling it off.  I've only done it once I think.

DS:  If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead who would it be?

DD:  umm....that's a tough one.  (chuckles)  I don't know actually.  Maybe just Megan Fox, just to see what she actually looks like in person, I don't know.

DS:  That works.  What's the best advise you ever got and from whom?

DD:  Actually the best advise I've ever got is from my dad.  Just be yourself and try to be the best that you can be.

DS:  What hobbies or activities do you have away from the rink?

DD:  I like to golf a lot.  Other than that, just have fun with the boys hanging out.  We play some video games, that's about it really

DS:  What song are you embarrassed to have on your ipod?

DD:  um....huh...I don't know.  Probably "Out Last Night" by Brian Chesney*

DS:  What actor would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

DD:  Bruce Willis I guess, I can't really think of any right now.

DS:  Waffles or pancakes?

DD:  Pancakes

DS:  What do you like on 'em?

DD:  I like strawberry topping, or blueberry topping usually.

*I'm not sure why this song is embarrassing, maybe because he's not a country music fan, hence the Brian Chesney.  I have no idea.