Thursday, February 1, 2001

VeStA: Congrats! Who motivated you to start playing hockey? Keep up the good work!

Francis Belanger : I was very excited and active when I was younger. So my Mom wanted me to spend my energy somewhere outside the house - so she put me on the ice. I was about 5 years-old when I started to play.

Wiseman fan: Hey! If you could play for any team in the NHL, which would you want to play for?

Francis Belanger : I really have no preference. Now that I'm with the Quebec Citadelles - I would like to play with the Montreal Canadiens because that's where I'm from. As I was growing up I was a Canadiens fan.

Dave: Which is the toughest goalie you have faced in your career?

Francis Belanger : John Vanbiesbrouck - He was in Philadephia my first year.

Howard E.: Hello! My question is: What's the toughest part about being on the road and who's your roommates?

Francis Belanger : When we're on the bus for six, seven hours in a row. We watch movies on the bus and play cards talking. Sometimes we will fly but most of the time we are riding the bus. And it can be long.

Mikey: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Francis Belanger : When we're done the morning skate I always go to the same restaurant and always eat the same thing. I have to take a nap at 1:30 and get up again 3:45. Then I stop at Dunkin Donuts for a large coffee. The coffee routine started when I played with Philadelphia - It's a mental thing. When we're on the road I'm not able to do this all the time.

Dave: Congrats! How was the allstar game?

Francis Belanger : I didn't get a chance to play this year. I hear it's supposed to be unbelievable.

Fans Des Citadelles!: What are your expectations or goals for the next season? ** Et bonne chance pour les sˇries!

Francis Belanger : My goal is to finish with a strong second half. I would like to make 15 goals and 200 penality minutes.

Wes: Francis, This week the Citadelles meet Hamilton three times. What are the advantages/disadvantages of playing a division rival three times in less than 7 days?

Francis Belanger : When you break it down every game counts for four points - It's a three division game. And our competitors are very close in stats - At this point every game counts.

STACY: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Francis Belanger : Owen Nolan - He was a good player scoring lots of goals he was kind of arrogant on the ice. I can sometimes be arrogant on the ice.

DOB: HOW IS ZACK?

Francis Belanger : Zack is my dog. He is doing very, very well. It's a lab, I've had it for a year. My dad's looking after him right now - and doesn't want to give him back.

dob: Would you rather score a goal or fight?

Francis Belanger : Score a goal. It's always a good feeling to score a goal.

Mike, Philadelphia: What will it be like returning to Philadelphia in two weeks to play the Phantoms, your former team?

Francis Belanger : For the first period it will probably be weird - but it will be fine. I still have friend in that area - so I hope to see some of them. And I'm still friends with people on the team.

Vivian: Hi, With the great team you have this year, do you feel you have a good chance of winning the cup with Quebec?

Francis Belanger : Yeah - we have a very good team. We also have a couple guys who have been called up to the Montreal Canadiens. Once they comeback to us we'll really have a chance to be in the race.

Michelle: Francis, I'm a Phantoms fan and I was extremely sad when you were released. We'll certainly miss you here in Philly. Do you have any favorite memories of your time here? And who do you think should be in the Dunk Tank at this year's Carnival??

Francis Belanger : I have lots great memories and memorabila from my time in Philly. Rob Murray - the Captain should be in the Dunk Tank.

LesCits: It is great to have you with the Cits! Question: When you look at your game, what do you feel you have to work on?

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Francis Belanger : There are always lots of little things you need to work on to get to the NHL. I know I need to work on things both defensively and offensively. For example, I know I need to work on my wall work - little things like that before I can make that jump to the NHL.

Paulo: Salut Francis!, What in your opinion makes Quebec a great place to play hockey.

Francis Belanger : I'm back home. My family is two hours away from Quebec. Quebec is a great time that has a chance to go far in the playoffs. And the other players are great. Quebec is a great city.

Moderator: Thanks for chatting with us. Good luck in the games against Hamilton this weekend. Francis - Do you have anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Francis Belanger : Thanks for you're questions. This was a fun experience and thank you for you're continued support.