It’s September folks. Soon the air will turn crisp, the leaves will begin to change color, and hockey will make it’s return for another season. The writers here at The Cannon have a jam-packed month in store for you, and today marks the start of a new daily feature- So, You Want to be a Blue Jacket?
This series will be presented in the form of a mock job interview. The operative word here is mock. We’re presenting these from the perspective of the player, as if they were applying for a job with the Jackets. The players themselves aren’t involved, so don’t contact the team if you disagree with one of their answers! Thirty players will be interviewed, even existing players. Yes, even Nasher will have to get put through the wringer. We hope you enjoy!
VACLAV (VINNY) PROSPAL
Q) Hi Vinny, tell us a little about yourself.
A) I was born in Ceske-Budejovice, Czech Republic on February 17, 1975. I play essentially any forward position, but I have played mostly wing in my career. I was drafted by the Flyers 71st overall in 1993. I’ve played for the Flyers, Senators, Panthers, Lightning, Ducks and Rangers in my career.
Q) Tell us about some intangibles you could bring to the Blue Jackets.
A) I’m a durable player, before my knee injury last season I averaged approximately 80 games played per season since the lockout. I have playoff experience, most recently last season with the Rangers. I’m more of a playmaker than a shooter, in Tampa I played with Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St.Louis, and had my best years there. I think I can do the same playing with high-scoring guys like Rick Nash and Jeff Carter.
Q) What areas of your game do you think you can improve on?
A) My season-to-season consistency. I seem to follow up a statistically solid season with a below-average one.
Q) Can you give us some examples of your hockey accomplishments?
A) This upcoming season will be my 18th year in the league, with my career best season statistically in 2005/2006 when I scored 80 points as a member of the Lightning. I’ve participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs nine times. I’ve represented the Czech Republic internationally winning gold at the 2000 and 2005 World Championships, and a bronze at the 2006 Torino Olympics.