When times were tough and I needed an honest quote, and goodness knows those instances outweighed the pleasant ones the last couple seasons, I knew I could go to Sean Collins if I wanted to hear the unabashed truth. Not only was he the captain of the Wheeling Nailers, but he was a guy that didn't try to hide his feelings, be it good or bad.
Though Collins is now applying his trade for Vassa Sport in Finland's Mestis League in Vassa, Finland - 4 hours north of Helsinki - I found it surprising his mind is never far from the Friendly City.
Following is a question and answer session I had with Sean last week via e-mail. Fair warning though, if you know Sean, you're aware he has a pretty good sense of humor.
Q: What are the
differences in the game/rinks there as opposed to here in the U.S.? Is it faster, slower? Is there more or less physical play?
A: There is very little difference in the play. Finland is the closest in style of play to N. America. The rinks are all N. American-size rinks. There is only one Olympic-size rink in our league. It is a lot like playing in the north division, a lot of contact and a very quick game. I was hoping to come over here and put on my dancing shoes and just skate around the ice and not get touched, but I quickly found out that was not the case.
Q: How's the food, and do you find yourself eating fastfood a lot?
A: The food is a lot like back home, the only big difference is these crazy Fins put curry into everything they cook. I cant have a piece of chicken without having the feeling I am in India. They have a couple of Subways and a lot of pizza shops. There is one McDonald's, but I have only been there once - it's a little bit different than the McDonald's back home. I sure do miss Wendy's chocolate shakes with (former Nailers goaltender) Andy Franck.
Q: Even though you felt it was the best move, is there ever a time where you miss Wheeling and wonder how things are going here?
A: I was in Wheeling for three years, so of course I built up some friendships, not with just the hockey players, but with the fans and the Wheeling locals. I still check in from time to time with (Chris) Snavely and Cuda (Curtis Darling). I still e-mail back and forth with some of the more CRAZY fans (they know who they are). I still check out the Web site, and what a Web site it is (the Brooks brothers must have the office staff working overtime). Watching the Red Sox at 4 in the morning just was not the same as going to Generations with Big Mike and watching it on the big screen!
Q: What exactly was the reason for leaving? Need a different challenge?
A: The reason I decided to leave Wheeling was to further my hockey career and start to get money in my bank account. I think most fans do not realize that if a player is on a straight east coast contract, the money is not very good. Let's just say people do not play in the east coast to build up their bank account. It was something I needed to do - I couldn't imagine in 10 years looking back and not taking advantage of this situation. I am happy I made the decision to come over here and experience the different lifestyle.
Q: How did you hear about that particular league? Do you know someone else on the team from back here?
A: I got in touch with my European agent who happens to be from Boston, and he told me about Finland and the league. I knew a player who played in Finland last year and he told me he had a fun time so it was a no-brainer. I am over here with my roommate from college, so it made the decision a lot easier.
Q: Talk a little bit about the language barrier.
A: The language barrier has not been all that hard - a lot of people speak English. They are taught English in schools, (but) obviously some people speak English better than others. The Fins don't really understand sarcasm and that is a big part of my humor so they think I am always making fun of them. It's kinda like talking to (Nailers trainer) Jerry Duncan ... after I would talk to him he would seem upset so I would have to give him a big bear hug and tell him everything is going to be OK!
Q: Did you hear about Paul Bissonnette making it to the NHL, and what was your reaction?
A: I did hear about Biss -we have e-mailed back and forth a few times. I almost went to the game they played over here in Finland, but the schedules did not work out. I was watching on YouTube and I saw him knock someone out in the NHL. Hockey may come and go, but the legend of BIZZNASTY will never die!
Q: What kinds of things do you guys do in your downtime?
A: Euro's are different people, they love their coffee and cake, or coffee and sandwich. After every practice they all go to drink their coffee and get a piece of cake. I do not know how they do it and stay skinny - I have a piece of cake and I have love handles the size of Snavely's head. We just try and keep busy, a lot of story telling.
Q: How do you deal with being away from everyone/everything you've ever known? Or have you adjusted to that kind of stuff having been here in Wheeling?
A: Being away from everyone has been the hardest thing to adjust to. Finland is 7 hours ahead in the time zone so if I want to call someone or e-mail a buddy I have to wait until about 10 or 11 at night, my time. But I try and keep in touch with e-mail and other technology advances. It was tough being away from (Nailers equipment manager) Billy Higgins. I miss coming to the rink and playing what color is the Higgster's hair going to be on that particular day!
Finally, to the Wheeling fans there's this:
Translation- To the fans back in Almost Heaven, West Virginia, make sure to go out and support the team. I mean, where else can you find Ice Girls and a Chief all in one building?
Shawn Rine can be reached via e-mail at Rine@theintelligencer.net