Q: During your career, what do you think has changed the game most? I know you refer to respecting players on the ice and their positioning, etc…Do you feel the kids coming up nowadays are lacking the respect factor? If so, do you feel the respect is lost due to the pressure of competition to win these days?

A: Ron, the NHL is giving jobs to players that work hard and play physical, which is a team need. I don’t understand why there is a need for people to run around and hit people, because that mentality ends up hurting someone. The players training habits have changed the most mainly because of salary structure, so teams expect players to be in better shape and prepared all year round.

Q: JR, here’s my question: In other sports, players on the IR still go to games and are on the sidelines. How does it work in hockey? Attend home games, practices, road trips?

A: Patricia, Every injury is different, and every player is different. Most players don’t travel with the team, but it is mandatory to go to home games. I will be traveling with the team after Christmas.

Q: Through the years of playing hockey, who checked you the hardest? Is there a video of this on youtube?

A: Ryan, Geoff Courtnall hit me the hardest when he was in St. Louis. I came across the blueline, cut inside, and scored a goal top corner, and he finished his check (a little late if you ask me) knocked me out cold! I spent the night in the hospital with a major concussion.