Wednesday, January 4, 2000

Anonymous: Hi Dave and congrats on the award. Just wondering your thoughts on the teams chances of going far in this years playoffs.

Dave Roche : I believe we have a very good team here and we are working our way towards first place in our division. And we have a very good chance at going far in this years playoffs.

Jack Bradley, Brampton: David,

In your 2 year stint in Pittsburgh back in 95 and 96 you had a chance to play with Mario Lemieux. What was it like to play on the same team as Mario? Is there any thing you learned from this experience that you feel has carried you today as a team leader in Saint John?

Dave Roche : Definitely, playing with Mario you learn how to be more patient with the puck and become more aware of what's going on, on the ice around you.
It's a great experience to have played with Mario Lemieux and it would be great to be able to play with him again.

Anonymous: How does it feel to be the Big Bass champ of lower chemong lake?

Dave Roche : It's great being able to beat friends and family and I look forward to doing it again next summer.

Anonymous: who was favorite player when you were a kid and why?

Dave Roche :Cam Neely. Because when I got old enough to realize the way I was going to play the game -- being a big player myself -- I liked his style in going to the front of the net and taking the punishment to score the hard goals.

Ray, Windsor, Ont.: Dave, a few years back you were part of the big scoring line for the Windsor Spitfires. What are your recollections of your time in Windsor, and have you stayed in contact with Bill Bowler.

Dave Roche : Windsor was agreat experience. Windsor was wear I had my best seasons as a junior player. It allowed me to grow as it was my first time away from home.
I see Billy from time to time around the rink, but it's hard to stay in touch when your in different leagues and differenht teams from year-to-year and the friendships in hockey are easily caught up when you get together from time to time.

From Geoff and Jon Lake in Peterborough. Kaz says hi !!!!: When do you hope to be up playing in Calgary? You deserve to be there.

Dave Roche : As soon as possible I would like to get up and get another shot at the NHL.

Bill Jackson: Dave congrats for being the player of the week. I am the guy in Syracuse who bass fished. did you do a lot of fishing last summer?

Dave Roche :Definitely I do a lot of fishing in the summer. It was a good summer for big bass.

Anonymous: who is the toughest goaltender you have ever faced so far this year?

Dave Roche : All goaltenders are pretty tough, it just depends on when you get the good chances to score. Jimmy Waite has been tough. It makes me want to play harder against him next time.

Anonymous: Hi Dave, I love how you go in front of the net when your on the power play. My question is don't you find it scary when some of our defense often shoot eye high?Keep up the great play!

Dave Roche : Yes you do feel scared but it's something I've always done and more times than not I am rewarded with a goal so it makes it less scary.

Colin: Hey Dave, I have enjoyed watching you play for the Flames this year in Saint John. I am always glad when one of my favourite players scores goals. I think it is a credit to your hard work and determination that the puck is starting to go in a little more often. My question is regarding the captaincy. You were captin last year and not this year? I was wondering how that affects your play. Do you feel that some pressure is off and you can concentrate on your own game more?

Good luck with the season!

Dave Roche :I'm a leader whether I have a letter on my jersey or not. I don't think my play is affected by that. There's no pressure with one or without one.

Kaz in Ontario How do you deal with the highs and lows of playing professional hockey?

Dave Roche : You try on an even level and not let the highs get to high and the lows get to low. In anything it's difficult to not get to exciteed some days and not get to depressed about outside situatiuons taht don't get to go your way. Hi Kaz. I'll talk to you later.

A fan in Section M Hey Dave,

Congrats on being named Player of the Week. What do you like to do on your off time. Good Luck during the rest of the season. Keep it going!!!

Dave Roche : I like to go to movies, fishing in the summer when we are really off and I enjoy playing on my Sony Playstation.

Dave Roche: I would like to thank the fans for the support and I hope to keep it going and be back here to chat soon.

Moderator: Thanks Dave. This chat was very interesting. Good luck the rest of the way this season.