Interview with Belfast's Tom Walsh

Interview with Belfast's Tom Walsh

Okay, so anyone who has read any of my blogs will know that my favourite Giant is Tommy Walsh, in my opinion the best defenceman in the league, a fantastic guy and a Harvard graduate. I was excited to interview him and a real insight into the man behind the great number 6 jersey.

 

SM: Tell us about the real Tommy Walsh; likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc.
TW: Outside of hockey, I like playing golf and watching good TV shows. This year my room-mate and I have finished Mad Men and Dexter. Both great shows.

SM: How does playing for the Belfast Giants in the Elite league compare to your previous experience?
TW: There are some similarities and some differences. This is the nicest home arena that I have played in by a long shot. The travel is a little annoying, especially when we have to take the ferry, but overall it’s an awesome place to play

SM: Talk me through a typical day as a Giant.
TW: Well there are usually a lot of naps! I am a lot busier than some of the guys because I have to go to school a few days a week, but I still find plenty of time to relax.

SM: What has been your best moment this season?
TW: I think that the best moment for me personally was scoring my first goal as a Giant. I ended up getting two goals in the same game and we won. My parents were in town as well so that made it even more special.

SM: I know this might sound silly but how does your study at University of Ulster compare to your Harvard education?
TW: Well I studied government at Harvard and am studying business here so the classes are very different. But its really pretty similar. You get out of it what you put into it.

SM: If you could play for an NHL side which would you choose?
TW: Boston Bruins

SM: Who is your favourite hockey player of all time?
TW: That’s a tough one. Probably Ray Bourque.

SM: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
TW: Definitely my parents. They are the best parents anyone could ask for and they made me the person I am today.

SM: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
TW: [Laughs] I have trouble seeing where I’m gonna be in two weeks never mind 5 years.

SM: What has been your proudest moment?
TW: Another tough one. I would probably have to say graduating from Harvard. That was a pretty cool day.

SM: How do the Belfast fans compare to other fans you've played in front of?
TW: The Belfast fans are great! They really get into the game and absolutely help us play better at home.

SM: Which of your fellow players were you looking forward to playing with the most?
TW: Kevin Phillips.

SM: Do you have any superstitious rituals you do before playing a match?
TW: I always put my left skate on before my right one. That’s about it.

SM: Who else in the league has impressed you this season?
TW: Well Coventry obviously has our number and as of right now are in first place so I guess they have impressed me the most.

SM: I saw you on the Friday Show; on your date. If you had to take ahem, a fan on a date.. what are your best moves?
TW: [Laughs] I don’t think that I can reveal my secrets. I need to keep my competitive advantage intact.

SM: If you weren't a hockey player what would you be doing career wise?
TW: I don’t even want to think about having to get a real life job. I’m dreading the day I need to start one

SM: If you had three wishes to be granted what would you wish for?
TW: Win the lottery, play in the NHL, and win the regular season title with the Giants!

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11th February 2012 19:00
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11th February 2012 19:00
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11th February 2012 19:15
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12th February 2012 00:00
6-2
5th February 2012 18:30
4-5
5th February 2012 18:00
2-4
5th February 2012 17:00
6-1
4th February 2012 19:30
4-1
4th February 2012 19:00
6-2
4th February 2012 19:00
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
1 Belfast Giants 41 33 8 3 167 83 69
2 Nottingham Panthers 40 30 10 2 182 87 62
3 Sheffield Steelers 35 30 5 0 133 77 60
4 Coventry Blaze 40 25 15 1 153 113 51
5 Cardiff Devils 39 20 19 10 124 112 50
6 Braehead Clan 39 22 17 2 146 127 46
7 Hull Stingrays 41 11 30 4 107 165 26
8 Edinburgh Capitals 38 11 27 3 89 170 25
9 Dundee Stars 40 7 33 5 95 163 19
10 Fife Flyers 39 7 32 5 79 178 19
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8th February 2012 19:45
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11th February 2012 18:00
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11th February 2012 18:30
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11th February 2012 19:00
3-0
5th February 2012 18:30
4-2
5th February 2012 18:00
6-3
5th February 2012 17:30
6-8
5th February 2012 17:30
3-0
4th February 2012 19:30
1-3
4th February 2012 19:00
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
1 Guildford Flames 38 26 12 3 172 111 55
2 Manchester Phoenix 39 24 15 3 145 123 51
3 Slough Jets 37 24 13 2 167 117 50
4 Sheffield Steeldogs 38 22 16 4 119 101 48
5 Milton Keynes Lightning 37 22 15 1 116 99 45
6 Basingstoke Bison 38 21 17 2 135 126 44
7 Swindon Wildcats 39 15 24 5 126 134 35
8 Bracknell Bees 37 13 24 8 107 142 34
9 Peterborough Phantoms 38 14 24 2 123 164 30
10 Telford Tigers 39 9 30 2 106 199 20
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
  Club GP W L OL GF GA Pts
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