Pro // Thursday, 14.01.2016
"That's pretty cool"
John Laliberte is a relaxed guy. But do not take it for weakness, when it comes to the ice, the forward battles hard - plus, he scores. Laliberte is one of the best players in DEL.
John, last time we talked about the DEL's topscorers in the last five years. Now I've looked it up...
Is it Wolf? Michael Wolf from Munich?
It is Patrick Reimer from Nuremberg.
Oh, okay. He's a great player.
So are you. You are number two amongst the goalgetters and number one when it comes to plusminus. What do statistics like this mean to you?
I think it is pretty cool to look back on my seven years in the league and see that I have done some good things, you know. That is kind of rewarding being amongst the top guys of the league. Yeah, that brings a smile on your face, I think.
Yeah, I see you smiling. Normally you are not the type of guy that lets himself get overwhelmed by emotions.
Yeah. I want to be on top of my game and keep an even head. I try to control my emotions. It is better for me and my game when I am more composed.
You battle hard and in my eyes, you are one of the players in the league who are best in protecting the puck. Explain to young players how one can do that properly.
The biggest part is: You have got to feel where your opponent is without seeing him - that makes it much easier to keep the puck away from him. That is kind of the skill you develope over the years.
You score, you work hard in offence as in defence - would you consider yourself as an allrounder?
Growing up in a town just outsider of Portland, Maine, I always felt pride in being able to do everything in hockey. I always wanted to be that complete player, I think I worked hard on every aspect of my game to become a good serviceable player in all aspects.
Looking at your locker, what would be the three most important things for you?
My mouth piece is a big thing because if I don't wear it my wife usually yells at me (grins). Other than that, my lid that I wear in front of games and practice. Third thing? I wore my shoulder pats for 15 years, I guess, that would be disappointing if I wouldn't have those anymore.
So you haven't been injured with your shoulders or teeth?
I actually have. (laughs) But I've been injured everywhere. Doesn't mean much...
I believed you would wear those things because of superstition...
Mainly, it is because I had Igor (Hasko; equipment manager of ERC) as a trainer for some years, here and before in Wolfsburg. He kept them in a really good shape for me. Without him, I think I wouldn't have them anymore. So all the credit goes to Igor.
We've got a big weekend coming up. Berlin and Iserlohn are currently the top dogs of the league.
I think we are in a good position right now because lately we've been playing solid hockey. Not many people expect us to go in, especially in Iserlohn... I think us, not many people expect us to win those games. We are in a good position to kind of get those teams sleeping - hopefully - and get some wins.
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