Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Q&A with Men's Hockey's Cam MacIntyre
November 06, 2007 | Men's Ice Hockey
Princeton sophomore forward Cam MacIntyre if off to a fast start to the season with eight points in three games. MacIntyre answers questions about the last weekend's sweep of Cornell and Colgate and this week's games against St. Lawrence and No. 8 Clarkson.
This Q&A is the second of a weekly Tuesday series that will appear throughout the hockey season and will feature a different player each week.
Last weekend was obviously a great way to start off league play for the team. Can you talk about the weekend and the team's performance at Cornell and Colgate?
Last weekend was definitely a great way for our team to kick off our league schedule and we are certainly happy with how it turned out. Considering that Princeton hadn't won at Cornell since 1994, I think winning there was a great way to set the standard for what we hope will be a very successful season. As well, sweeping on the road was something that we haven't accomplished in a long time and I think that this was another indicator that we have high expectations for this team. I thought that we had two pretty solid team performances this weekend that were backed by some great goaltending from Zane Kalemba.
The team has gotten off to a hot start, 3-0, but there's still a long way to go. How do you manage the optimism that comes with a great start with realization that there are four more months to the season?
Well, there is a long way to go before playoffs and the first three games certainly do not make a season. But we can't help but be proud of the way we have started the season, as it really is a testament to how hard we have been working both on and off the ice. The great thing about our team is that we have a bunch of extremely hard working guys, and great leadership that won't allow any sense of complacency to settle in. I think to manage our optimism it is important that we stick to our work ethic and commitment in practice like we have been doing, and just continue to focus on improving.
You and linemates Lee Jubinville and Brett Wilson have really come together and played well this season. What has made this combination click?
I think the largest factor in our success is that we have found some chemistry early. Having played with both Jubs and Willy at certain times last year, I think we all have a pretty good idea of the types of things we each like to do, and what sorts of plays we are looking to make in certain situations on the ice. I also think that we all bring something different to the line in the style that we play the game. So far these different traits have complemented each other well and have given us some success.
How would you characterize the personality of the team early in the season?
I would label our team as hardworking with a lot of character. I am constantly impressed with the character and work ethic of every guy on our team and I think that it creates a great environment around the rink. Everyone is buying into our team identity and putting in the effort to show it. It is early in the season and we have quite a bit of work to do to get to where we want to be, but I am optimistic about our potential because of the quality of people that we have in our dressing room.
You appeared in all but one game last season, and after one point in your first 14 games, you 12 points in the final 20 games of the year and you have eight points in three games this season. It seems, at least offensively, there was an adjustment period for you to the college game. What was the biggest adjustment you made or thing you learned over the course of your freshman season?
I found the college game to be quite a large adjustment from junior hockey, and it definitely took me a while to learn how to get things going offensively. Obviously college hockey is such a fast game and you really have to learn quickly that you don't have much time with the puck before someone is on you. But I think more than just adjusting to the speed of the game, it was equally important to learn the timing. Defensemen are all so good at this level which means that you really have to learn when to arrive in certain areas if you want to create offensive opportunities.
The team returns to Baker Rink this weekend for its home-opening weekend against St. Lawrence and Clarkson. The pair were the top two teams in the league last season although Princeton had success against both. What do you expect going into the weekend?
St. Lawrence and Clarkson are both great teams which makes this weekend a great opportunity for us to see if we can keep our early success going. I know from my experience last year against both of these teams that they are both very strong which means that our preparation has to be great for this weekend. I think that we can expect two very intense playoff style hockey games with lots of energy because ECAC league games are always such a battle. I know we are looking forward to the challenge.
On Saturday following the game there will be a dedication ceremony for the lobby renovations. What do you think of the new photos, trophy cases and plaques now on display in the rink?
I think the lobby renovations are outstanding. The new photos look excellent and the trophy cases and plaques contribute to the sense of history in Baker Rink. We are fortunate to play in a rink with such a history, and it's great that they did some renovations to make it look so nice.