Ice Hockey is a very unique sport that combines many different aspects of athleticism. Balance, Speed, Strength, Agility, Endurance, and mental “hockey awareness” all challenge players like no other sport in the world. You have a split second to react and make a decision.You have to combine your skill with your skating ability and that requires that you are mentally conditioned to react and fix mistakes at top speed. The passes can move at 60 MPH and the slap shots reach 100MPH. You can stop on a dime and change direction, fake the opponent with your head, shoulders, hands, stick and feet. You can literally fly at top speed while trying to think about what your next move is. When you do make a mistake you can react quickly and recover the puck and find a teammate to pass to, or try to blast the puck toward the net in order to create a high percentage scoring opportunity.
Ajay Baines could tell you alot of what I have just mentioned. After all, he is from the British Columbian hockey crazed city of Kamloops (4 hours east of Vancouver). Not only did he grow up there, he was the Captain of the WHL Kamloops Blazers. That is more than a dream come true to play at such a high level in your hometown. The WHL (Western Hockey League) is simply put, the Wild West of Hockey! These kids play like there is no tomorrow because they are all thinking about their future. There is no floating and slacking. WHL hockey is intense, exciting, tough and fast!The AHL (American Hockey League) is the next step as these players hone their craft and travel the continent. The AHL is a great way to earn a living and experience North America like very few others can. The AHL has 29 teams all of which are affiliated with parent NHL teams. http://www.theahl.com/theahl/teams/
Ajay was captain of the Norfolk Admirals for 6 years and was literally the face of that franchise. Ajay now plays with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He is a well respected part of that franchise and even scored the AHL Championship winning goal last spring when the Bulldogs defeated the defending champion Hershey Bears . Ajay has also competed in the Spengler Cup in Europe. This is where the best Canadians play the top European Pro Clubs.
Center, Born Mar 25 1978 -- Kamloops, BC Height 5.10 -- Weight 178 -- Shoots L
Recently I asked Ajay some questions about his career and The Hamilton Bulldog’s amazing accomplishment last season.
R: Was there a single moment that you realized you wanted to play hockey, or was it a gradual realization?
AJ: I think it was a gradual thing. But I loved playing when I was I kid, and hockey was big in Kamloops. The older I got the more competitive things got and then you get to an age where doors start opening.
R: How many games do you think you have played in organized hockey? What were your favorite moments or achievements in junior and pro hockey?
AJ: I’d have to check the stats on the games man! Hahaha, Playing for my hometown junior team was a thrill, and getting to the WHL Finals my last year was a great experience. And obviously winning the Calder Cup last year was a dream come true!
R: What types of negative peer pressure did you deal with, and what does it take for an athlete to over come that?
AJ: There wasn’t a whole lot peer pressure growing up. I think it helps being an athlete. It kept me busy and away from the drugs and that. Plus being on team is a bonus because you have other guys to grow with.
R: What is your favorite part of traveling to another city or country and challenging other teams in their home rinks?
AJ: Playing on the road is awesome and challenging. It’s just the team and you have no distractions. When you score it’s just your team cheering and the whole rink is quiet. Some cities are nice and some are rinks are awful!
R: What is the pressure like representing Canada @ The Spengler Cup during the lockout year when NHL’ers were playing for your opponents?
AJ: It was amazing putting on a Team Canada jersey. Davos was the Host team. I remember my first shift was killing a penalty. The first face off I took was against Joe Thornton. The atmosphere was unbelievable. Singing and cheering the whole game, it was like a European soccer match. We ended up beating Davos in a shootout!
R: You recently injured your knee at the Montreal Canadians Training Camp, What kind of training regiments are you going to have to go through and what advice do you have for kids out here who experience temporary setbacks in sports or life in general?
AJ: The rehab is going well, I’m being very careful with it. I’m pushing on the bike more and more each day. Injuries are part of the game, and its how u react, not what happens to you that is the test.
R: Who was your hockey idol and what have you learned from them that you incorporate into your own game?
AJ: Stevie Y (Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings) was my idol growing up. He was a very passionate player. Now I really admire Jarome Iginla (Captain of the Calgary Flames) he was my teammate in 1995-96 and is still a good friend. He was the most competitive guy I ever played with. I learned a lot from him.
R: Don Lever, your coach is a well known former Vancouver Canuck! Tell us a little bit about your coaching staff and what they did to help motivate you guys last season?
AJ:Don is a players coach and so is Ron Wilson. They had us very prepared and informed about the opposition. Don is very approachable and he has played the game at the highest level, so he knows what its like to be a player.
R: What is it like to play on a team with associate Captains? What was that dynamic like?
AJ: Our core group was very good. No arrogance or attitudes, and we were all on the same page, which is very important for a group of leaders. Most of the core is back this year too.
R: What is your role on the Bulldogs, both on and off the ice?
AJ: I’m a veteran, and a leader. I have to work hard every day. Off the ice, I have to stay out of trouble and make sure I’m not thrown in jail! Hahaha!
R: Who is your favorite sports broadcaster and why?AJ: Ryan Rishaug-he's one of my very good friends. ( Former Kamloops Blazer, BCIT Broadcast Program Graduate, TSN Reporter)
R: What was your biggest blooper ever?
AJ: I slipped on the ice cause I still I had my skate guards on when I went out there during practice.
R: Which city has the craziest fans in the AHL? WHL?
AJ: Hershey-AHL, Seattle-WHL back when I played.
R: How would you compare hockey fans in Ontario with Fans in BC?
AJ: Ontarians are just Leafs fans they are not hockey fans. It’s disappointing, we have a core of 2-3 thousand fans that really support us. Out West the fans are a lot better!!!
R: What was running through your head when scored the winner, and also when you lifted the Calder Cup?
AJ: I couldn't’t believe it went in! It didn’t sink in until a few weeks later that I scored the winner. There was still 9 minutes left so we were still so focused on the game.
Lifting the cup was a great feeling. It sunk in that hey, we are the best team in the league right now!!!
