Sitting down with "Captain Castor"

I sat down with Pat Albanese over the weekend and we discussed all things hockey. Starting with leaving Castlegar, to the Frank Barron tournament and his new linemates.

Brock Stevens: Thanks for agreeing to sit down with me, Mr. Albanese. How are you enjoying your time in Minnesota?

Pat Albanese: My pleasure. My time in Minnesota has been great. It's good getting back into the States after spending the last few years up in Canada. I had never never spent a lot of time in the state of Minnesota before so this is all new to me and I'm enjoying the place.

BS: Speaking of your time in Canada, what were the feelings you had when you were traded to Minnesota?

PA: I couldn't believe I was actually leaving Castlegar. I had recently resigned with the team and was feeling good about the upcoming season. Then all the organizational changes hit and I wasn't sure what my future would hold. I was shocked that I got stripped of the captaincy, mainly because I was blind-sided with it. And I think things could have gone smoother, but I hold no hard feelings towards anyone in that organization and wish them the best. I was just lucky enough that a quality team like Minnesota stepped up and came calling.

BS: Now that you're no longer "Captain Castor", what are your expectations in Minnesota?

PA: My expectations haven't changed just because I no longer wear a "C" on my sweater. I'm still coming into the locker room and hitting the ice with the same mentality I had before. To me, I'm always focused on being a quality teammate and hockey player. Coming into this season, it was all about winning another cup, and that hasn't changed just because my team has. I have high expectations for the Warbirds.

BS: What are your thoughts on playing on a line with Miika Kemppinen and Chris Coogan, two highly respected and long term Warbirds?

PA: I love it. I first time I saw the lines, I was thrilled. These guys are such vets, such good players, that I couldn't ask for better line mates. I'm just looking to go out there and make some plays for them.

BS: Any predictions for the Frank Barron tournament?

PA: I'm just looking forward to getting out there and playing our first game. I think there's been two solid opening games to the tourney so far. But this is our home, our rink, and I think we can win it. I know the Birds took this tourney last year, and I'm looking for a repeat performance.

BS: Any S6 predictions?

PA: I feel good about season six. I think this team has a solid build, great character, and no matter what we're going to play our asses off. So I see an improvement over the 11 wins of last year, and a long playoff run. Anything less and I don' think we'd be satisfied as a team.

BS: Well thank you for taking time out of your busy day and good luck in the tournament and Season 6.

PA: Anytime. Thanks!

The Warbirds will open up S6 at home against the Toronto Vipers.