With the NHL lockout now in its 75th day, Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and a few of his teammates have been skating with the Carleton Ravens at the Ice House off and on since mid-November. Although the rest of the Senators returned to the Bell Sensplex on Wednesday, Alfredsson stayed behind. The Charlatan’s Farhan Devji sat down with him after Thursday’s practice.
The Charlatan (TC): You have been practicing at Carleton for a few weeks now. Why the change of scenery? What brought you guys here?
Daniel Alfredsson (DA): Good practices. We’re probably only six or seven guys left that are practicing. To get a chance to be in this environment is a lot more fun and more productive for us as well. And I think we can help out with raising the pace a little bit.
TC: I know these are just practices, but what are your thoughts on the level of play with these guys?
DA: It’s been really good. I’m impressed especially with the work ethic and professionalism that they’ve shown. They have long days in school as well – not just hockey. It’s been a lot of fun for me to see. They work really hard and they have a goal in mind, which is fun to watch.
TC: Did you know much about Carleton or the Ravens before these practices?
DA: Well, I’ve been a couple of times. I did a ceremonial puck drop one game and I know “Vanner” obviously playing with him for a few years. But I can’t say I know much about the players.
TC: Speaking of Shaun Van Allen, what’s it like taking orders and instructions from him?
DA: There’s no change, I did the same when he was playing. Nothing’s changed.
TC: Being here at Carleton, I know it’s a balance because you want to practice but at the same time you want to teach these guys some things. How do you deal with that?
DA: I just try to melt in, give them some hints here and there maybe. I think they watch what I do and pick up stuff from that. These are guys that have played hockey for a long time. They know what they’re good at and what they need to improve on. I can give a few hints here and there, which I really enjoy doing.
TC: Earlier in the year, you were only practicing a few times a week. This is now your fourth straight ice time this week at Carleton. What’s the reasoning behind that?
DA: Just because it’s more fun, too. I played in a charity game in Atlantic City on Saturday, which brought a little more joy back for the game of hockey, I guess. I practiced here on Monday and I thought it was a lot of fun. So I came back every day.
TC: As for the NHL lockout, how frustrating is it not to be playing hockey at this time of the year?
DA: It is and it isn’t. I have a busy life outside hockey obviously with four kids. I enjoy that time as well. When you play charity games like I did or when you’re in an environment like this with a team . . . we love the game. If I retired, I would still enjoy coming out on the ice. That’s when you miss it. That’s when it’s a little bit harder. I know it’s a process; I think it’s an unfortunate process but we are where we are and until we get a deal, we’ve got to make the most of it.
TC: Is there hope among the players that mediation could help?
DA: I don’t know. I haven’t heard what happened yesterday. I think it doesn’t hurt. I’m also not sure what level of engagement they can manage to accomplish between the two of us. I don’t know. It doesn’t hurt to get another view and I’m sure they can helpful in some areas and maybe get something going.
