Catching-up withâPittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-André Fleury

The official Website of the QMJHL, asks a former QMJHL player – now playing in the NHL – a few quick questions. We caught-up with Screaming Eagles alumni Marc-André Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

<i>Which was your favourite NHL team growing up?</i>

"The Montreal Canadiens of course."

<i>Can you identify your best moment in the QMJHL?</i>

"It has to be when my coach, Pascal Vincent, told me that I had made the team."

<i>What’s the best advice he gave you over the course of your major junior career?</i>

"He told me to have fun out there and to stop analyzing everything. I performed much better when I was having fun."

<i>Which player gave you the most trouble?</i>

"Hmm, there were a lot of very good players in the Q, but I’d have to say Pierre-Marc Bouchard of Chicoutimi (now with the Minnesota Wild). We knew each other very well, so it was fun. Also, Simon Gamache of Val-d’Or was always a threat."

<i>What’s the biggest difference you found between major junior and the pros?</i>

"The speed. Also, you have to pay close attention to third and fourth line players, since they can score like the best of them."

<i>What’s your other favourite sport?</i>

"I’d still have to say hockey, but I do play street hockey, beach volleyball and I like riding boats in the summer time."

<i>What are your best attributes as a player?</i>

"I’d say it’s my speed and pad work. I can get around pretty quickly."