Meet the Players: Geoff Irwin

MEET THE PLAYERS:
#19 Geoff Irwin

1) What other teams/leagues have you played for? And what have you noticed are the main differences in the leagues?
I was fortunate enough to play 4 seasons professionally in the ECHL, of which a season each was spent with the Idaho Steelhead, Ontario Reign, Las Vegas Wranglers, and Cincinnati Cyclones.  The main difference I have noticed is the communication aspect of the game, as you progress to higher leagues you notice a shift in confidence, which translates into more communication on the ice, which makes the game easier by assisting teammates in their decision making.  It is especially important in a game like hockey where the pace of play is so fast, and the decision making process combined with a lack of time and space to make those decisions, can be assisted by increased confidence and communication.

2) Why did you decide to come to Sydney? 
I chose to come to Sydney to complete my Juris Doctor of Law at the University of Sydney.  The program is highly regarded globally as one of the leading international law programs, that coupled with the sunshine and the opportunity to continue to compete at a high level in hockey were the deciding factors in my decision to come to Sydney.

3)  Why did you choose your number? 
I chose number 19 as it was the number I wore throughout my youth career, and was fortunate to wear that same number throughout my collegiate career, as well as for one season of pro.  My initial choice of the number as a youth was a combination of my father wearing the number when he played, and my favourite players (Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic) wearing the number 19 throughout their NHL careers.

4)  What do you think of the quality of hockey in this country?
The quality of hockey in this country is much higher than I had initially expected.  The pace of play is extremely high, which is a testament to the skating and conditioning instruction that is provided at a young age.  From a skill standpoint, the AIHL is establishing itself as a viable option for more and more quality import players to come and advance their careers.  The next natural progression is to see the development of situational awareness and game management techniques.

5)  Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? 
I used to have too many pre-game rituals too list.  I have held onto a few such as: taping my stick before each game, having a coffee when I arrive at the rink, doing a dynamic stretch, and putting on my equipment in the same sequence.  This routine allows me to feel comfortable, relaxed, and ready to compete without distractions.

6)  How long have you been playing hockey and how did you get into it?
I started playing hockey when I was 5, so it has been an important aspect in my life for 25 years now.  Being from Canada it is our first choice of sport, and my dad was a big influence in guiding me through the developmental stage while continuing to support my aspirations to get a scholarship and play professionally as my career developed.  There are many coaches that continued to encourage my development, as well as pushed me to achieve higher standards of personal and professional development.  To all of those individuals, I am very grateful for the lessons they have taught.

7)  Who is your favourite NHL team & player?
My favourite NHL team is the Philadelphia Flyers, and as much as I like their captain Claude Giroux, I have to go with Jamie Benn.  He is from my hometown and I have had the opportunity to train and skate with him in previous years.  He embodies all the characteristics of a natural leader, those being: positive attitude, hard working, and selfless.  With the Flyers now eliminated from the playoffs, I may be wearing my Dallas Stars hat a little more often to support his quest for the Stanley Cup.