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Christina Quinn: What was the feeling like when you were chosen the player of the week, and do you think you will get a chance to play in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers? Brian Urick: It was a great honour to receive the award. I was really surprised but I owe it all to my teammates, and my linemates especially. I think everyone's goal is to make it to the NHL. Hopefully one day I will get a shot.
Ryan B.: Who got you into hockey? Brian Urick: I'm from Minnesota and my dad used to freeze our backyard. He used to make me push around a chair and skate around. So it was definitely my dad that got me into hockey.
Gunther: Brian, how beneficial was last year in the ECHL and can you quantify how much an education like the one you pursued at Notre Dame figure into your success? Brian Urick: As for the education, you have something to fall back on if hockey doesn't work out. I would recommend that to any young hockey player to try to get an education. As for the East Coast Hockey League, I think it's a really good league and it helped me out a great deal to play on the league last year. It helped me to adjust to the speed of the AHL.
Ryan Chiasson: How do you feel when you see a small but loud crowd at Copps Colisseum? Brian Urick: Sometimes it's discouraging because it's such a big rink, but the fans that come out are loud and great and they support as well.
Shannon @ Erica: Welcome back to Hamilton. You are playing great. We were wondering what your goals are for this season. Congratulations on your Sher-wood award. Brian Urick: My team goals are to make it to the Calder Cup finals and to win the Calder Cup final. Personal goals coming into the season was playing for the Bulldogs the whole year. For now, I would say scoring 20 goals and being a plus player is my goal for the season.
Ryan Chiasson: Who is the biggest prankster on the Dogs? Brian Urick: I would have to say Ryan Risidore. He's always trying to get people riled up and he blames pranks on other people.
Ryan Chiasson: What is your biggest hockey highlight in your career and who was your favourite player growing up? Brian Urick: My greatest hockey moment was playing in the Minnesota State hockey tournament. High school hockey is really big in Minnesota and you get to play in front of 18,000 fans. My favourite player growing up was Neil Broten. He played for the Minnesota North Stars. He was from Minnesota and he was by far the team's best player while I was growing up. There isn't really anything in particular about him that I've tried to copy.
Ryan Chiasson: If you got to pick an all-star team for the AHL who would be on your team? Brian Urick: That's a tough question. I haven't seen all the teams play this year, but from what I have seen, I would have to say all the players on the Quebec Citadelles. I was really impressed with Gaul from Syracuse, but I haven't really seen many teams play this year to really be able to answer.
Ryan Chiasson: who is your best friend in hockey? Brian Urick: I would say Ben Simon -- he plays for the Orlando Solar Bears in the IHL. I went to college with him.
Hartford is a Dump: Hello!! Congrats!! How do you think Hamilton will do this year? your off to a great start!! keep it up! Brian Urick: We started off well but it's early. We have a good group of guys and I don't want to make any predictions, but I think we'll do all right.
HartfordFansUrinateOnCars: Who are you cheering for in the Subway series if you dont mind me asking? Brian Urick: I'm rooting for the Mets! I'm rooting for the underdog. All I can say about the bat throwing incident between Clemens and Piazza is that I don't think Clemens meant it as an accident.
Jake Urick: Hey Brian this is your cousin Jake. I was just wondering how it feels to be so close to the pros? It must be a thrill to be out there. Oh yeah Mike and Bill still want me to tell you that they can still beat you in football at anytime. Brian Urick: I'd say it's exciting to be so close, but there's still a long way to go. It's a big jump. You always have to keep working hard no matter where you are. Tell Jake that basketball sucks!
Alex Lamb: Hi, I know your uncle John Urick. He's my keyboarding techer. he said you played for edmonton! well, do you want to play in the NHL? If you did, what team would you want to play for? Brian Urick: Yes, I would love to play in the NHL. I'd like to play for the Oilers if they sign me, but I would also like to play for the Minnesota Wild.
OILFan: WHen did you sign with the Oilers? Brian Urick: I signed with the Oilers in the summer of 1999. This is my second year under contract with them.
C. Urick: Brian What role did your mother play in your success? Brian Urick: I'd have to say that she's my biggest fan. When I was little, she would always get mad at me when I drew penalties and took penalties so she taught me how to stay out of the penalty box. I would get lectures on the car ride home after the game, so that would deter me enough not to draw any more penalties.
James Urick: Brian, What is the closest city to Montreal that Hamilton plays? As you know Michael Urick lives there and is anxious to see you play. Brian Urick: The closest place is Quebec City. We've played there once and we play there again this Friday. Tell James I say hi.
HartfordFansUrinateOnCars: Do you think Hamilton will contend for the cup this year with the team you have? keep up the good work! Brian Urick: I hope so! I'd say it's too early to tell right now. The team is playing well, so if we can keep this up for the whole year, I think we will make it.
Cindy from KY: How do you feel about the McSorley verdict? Brian Urick: I agree with McSorley getting punished. I think the NHL and hockey needs to clean up its act. Some real serious injuries could mount with the way the game is being played today. I like how the refs in the AHL are calling all the slashing in the games. There haven't been any serious incidents so far in the games I've played in and that's a positive thing.
Lisa: I haven't had the chance to see you play much, but what I've seen, I liked. I was just wondering what you think of playing in the city of Hamilton, as opposed to other centres you've played in? Brian Urick: Personally, I think Hamilton has the best arena I've played in in the league. I would like to see more fans there at the games, but that's about it.
Moderator: Thanks so much for chatting with us Brian. Congratulations on the award and good luck to you in the rest of the season.
Brian: Thanks. I'd like to say hi to all my relatives and say thanks for all the support. I'd like to thank all the fans and the AHL for all their questions and support too.