STEVE MASON

Who was your role model/personal hero?

Growing up, I looked up to Martin Brodeur. His style of play, the way he handled the puck and the way he handled himself with all the pressure involved with the game are things I try to emulate to this day. Of course, my parents are also a big part of why I got to where I am right now. Obviously they had a lot of influence.

The Kitchener Rangers are in the Memorial Cup and obviously not because they are the host team. Expectations are high and the pressure to win is fierce. How do you and the team handle this pressure?

The guys that we have are definitely going to be well prepared for it. The coaching staff is definitely first class all the way and I think they'll have us under control. We just need to make sure that we go in through the front door and go in with all gears firing.

What is the best way to sharpen you reflexes and skills?

I think just practicing as much as you can. There's also a lot of work that goes into it in the off season. If you practice hard every single day, I think that's going to translate into a good performance on the ice. The way the Kitchener Rangers practice, it's pretty easy for a goal tender to stay sharp. What foods to you tend to eat before a game in an effort to boost your energy level? I'm always eating pastas, chicken parmesan...things like that. That's what I've been eating ever since I've been in the OHL and it seems to work so I'm going to be sticking with that.

How often and rigorous is the physical training?

In the summer it's a lot more often. During the season, you can't really work on it too often because of the amount of games that you play. During the off season, I think, is when you build a base for the upcoming season.

The Team Canada Experience

What were you feeling when you skated onto the ice for overtime? There's obviously a lot of pressure with all of Canada watching, but I think the whole team was really confident. I just did my job and tried to make the big saves.

World Junior Tournament MVP. Is it everything you imagined? It still hasn't really sunk in. At the time, I didn't really think about it. It was just a nice added bonus. I was just happy to have a gold metal around my neck.

What was the most memorable moment after winning the gold for the Canadian Juniors? I think just everyone standing on the blue line with "Oh Canada" playing. It had definitely been a long journey for all of us to go over there and there are a lot of ups and downs. I finally felt relieved and that was probably the most memorable part for me.

What advice can you give to the youth of today who want to be in your skates? Definitely just have fun with it. You're going to have some ups and downs. I've had my share of downs and you just have to work through them. Keep working at it because you never know what could happen.

MATT HALISCHUK

What age did you start playing hockey?
6 or 7 years old

Who was your role model/hero?

On the ice? Steve Yzerman. In fact, my favourite part of growing up was watching him play. Off the ice? My parents. They were always there for me. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today.

What is the greatest strength or asset of the Kitchener Rangers?

We're a hard working team full of great players from one end of the bench to the other. Obviously, our coaches bring a wealth of experience and are helping us reach our goals.


With the new rules in the NHL, faster and more skilled players are now getting back in the game. You are known for your heart, hard work and having good hands. Tell our readers about your weight training regiment.

Work hard when you have time off of the ice. You just want to hone your skills and strengths in every aspect of your game to improve. Are there any nutrition guidelines or programs you follow? In the summer you've got your meal plans. You want to make sure you eat well and get the right kind of foods in your body. That type of dedication will pay dividends come hockey season Any pre-game nutrition plan? Mostly pasta. Get the carbs and high energy foods in.


What advice can you give to the youth of today who want to be in your skates?

Just keep doing what you're doing, go for your goals and just work hard at it. Don't sell yourself short. What's more important: Playing and having fun? Or winning the big game? I think they go hand in hand. If you're winning, you're having fun. If you're not winning, it's still great just to be playing.


The Team Canada Experience

In your wildest dreams did you ever think that you would score the game winning goal for team Canada? No, it's still kind of a shock. But it was just unbelievable to win the gold and represent my country. What was the most memorable moment after winning the gold for the Canadian juniors? The national anthem is pretty special to me. The same with all the fans. Just being around the whole environment was amazing.

Special goodbye note to the fans: "Thanks for all of your support"