What was it like to be in Moncton to win the Memorial Cup?

It’s a unique feeling that’s hard to describe, but the only word that comes to mind is unbelieveable. Once you get the chance to raise the Cup, it’s crazy, it’s unbelievable.

What was your reaction over the summer when you were told you had been traded to Lewiston?

I was surprised at first. I sort of expected a trade, but I didn’t expect to come to Lewiston. It was a good surprise, though, because I knew they had a good coach and a good organization and I knew we were going to have a good team this year, and it’s the last chance for me to win and maybe go to the Cup again.

What was the biggest thing you had to adjust to coming in here to a new team?

Every team has its own mentality, and the coaching staffs have their own way to coach, so that was probably the biggest adjustment I had to make, but it was pretty easy.



What specifically was the hardest thing to adjust to?

Clement’s coaching style compared to Patrick (Roy) is day and night. Patrick’s a really intense guy. He’s going to push you and if he doesn’t like the way you’re playing, the way you’re practicing, everybody has to skate. Clem has another way. he teaches you well, and he’s really patient with his players.



Define your role as a leader.

I’m always intense, and that’s what I try to do. When it’s time to calm down the guys and show some maturity on the team, I think I can do that, too.



Try to compare this year to last.

We have two teams that are really, really different. Last year we had guys like Radulov and Esposito to put the puck in the back of the net time and time again. It’s different.



Talk about some of the good things from the team’s first half.

Some of the good, we play a simple game and right now we’re winning.



How about some of the bad?

I still think we need to improve on our transition game and maybe our defense a little bit.



What is it going to take for this team continue its success?

We still need to step it up. We have a good team, but I personally think we need to play better. It’s two different leagues, before Christmas and after Christmas. Every team is going for it right now. We’re in the trade period, and other teams are trying to get better, and I think we need to do that, too.



What are some short-term goals you have for yourself?

I just want to have a better second half than my first half of the season, maybe start producing a little more.



How about for the team?

I want to go all the way. It’s my last season here, and we could have a good chance of making it through the playoffs.



Where is Simon Courcelles going to be in five years?

I have two options right now. One would be to go to Europe. It’s a great lifestyle over there, and if I have the chance to play there, I’ll definitely take it. Otherwise, I’d love to go to school and become an architect.