On the World Junior Championships

Alanah: How does coaching kids of this age compare to coaching at the NHL level?

Pat Quinn: Whether players are 5 or 50 they want to feel they are a part of something.

The similarities stem from motivation. At the NHL level, in a lot of cases, you’ll be coaching a player who really can’t do any more physically but has a greater maturity and self motivation ability than a younger player. These players that I will be coaching all have ability and will be motivated!

Alanah: What are the differences between your time playing at their age, and what young players experience now, do you think?

Pat Quinn: That is a great question. The obvious thing on the outside is equipment. Man, the technological advances, like in anything, have been huge in hockey.

From a mental standpoint, for a lot of these boys hockey has pretty much been their concentration and I’m not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing.

When I was a kid growing up in Hamilton we played everything. If there was a sport we liked or excelled at then maybe that was our path, for me that was hockey but I loved and played pretty much any sport. The other thing is that now there is a lot more pressure to succeed from a young age. The rewards are greater but it can be a blow to a young man or young woman often if they don’t reach the highest high of their sport.

On the NHL

Alanah: At this time (pre-season) do you have any observations to make about the Canadian NHL teams? Who’s in good shape and who might be in trouble?

Pat Quinn: I think the Leafs are on the right track. I actually hired Ronny Wilson in Vancouver and he’s a good coach that will move the Leafs in the right direction. Cliff is a very good, very experienced hockey man who will make tough decisions to make a franchise better. The health of the game in our country right now is very good and we’ll have a few teams there at the end.
Montreal and Ottawa will be very tough.

On Making The Connection

Alanah: Can you tell me a bit about your own experiences with heart issues and why you felt it was important to get involved with this program?

Pat Quinn: I thought I was invincible, that I could eat and drink and take in calories the same way after I finished playing. In 2002 I really think that the Leaf team had a chance to win a cup and my problems with my heart, I had an irregular heartbeat brought on by a lot of things, were a distraction because I just wasn’t taking care of myself. People need to start taking care of their hearts now! Making the Connection can be the first step for a lot of people to begin taking better care of their hearts. Then it’s simple things like lifestyle and being aware.

After that scare I quit smoking cigars, really began to watch my weight and walked everyday which is something I continue to do now. I also got regular checks on my cholesterol levels and now that is something I watch very carefully.

I feel better!

My sincere appreciation to Pat Quinn for taking the time to respond to my questions. If you wish to support a cause close to his heart these days (no pun intended!) go to Making the Connection and find out about winning some great prizes.