In this week's Getting To Know, New York Rangers defenseman Brian Boyle reflects on his favorite team growing up, and how his first career goal came against that very same team. Boyle also recalls the strangest game he's been a part of.
Status: New York Rangers defenseman.
HT: 5-11 WT: 190 pounds
DOB: July 12, 1976 In: Ottawa, Ontario
First Hockey Memory: "Like, me playing or watching? I was a Flyers fan growing up. So I just remember watching the Flyers whenever I could on TV. My favorite Flyers were Rick Tocchet and Ron Hextall. I wore #22 for Tocchet. I also liked Brian Leetch. I started skating when I was six years old."
Hockey Inspirations: "The thrill of trying to win. Trying to win the Cup. I've been lucky enough to win it once but I want to do it again."
Last Book Read: "I don't read books. I can't remember [smiles]."
Current Car: "Mercedes."
Greatest Sports Moment: "Winning the Cup (with Tampa in 2004)."
Most Painful Moment: "Most painful moment...probably last year."
Favorite Uniforms: "I grew up a Flyers fan so I'll just stick with that."
Favorite Rinks To Play: "Madison Square Garden and the Shark Tank."
Why Do You Love Playing Hockey: "Why do I love playing hockey? Because that's my passion. That's what I love do to."
Funniest Players Encountered: "Andre Roy."
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: "Marty St. Louis."
Most Memorable Goal: "First goal probably. Against Philadelphia (Vanbiesbrouck in 1999 with Florida)."
Embarrassing Hockey Memory: "I've had plenty [smiles]."
Favorite Sport Outside Hockey: "Golf."
First Famous Player You Met or Encountered: "Wayne Gretzky was probably the most famous. I remember I talked with him on the phone. That was the first time, when he called me for the Olympic Team in 2006."
Strangest Game: "Earlier this season we won the shootout, came in and had to get re-dressed because they called the goal off. So we had to go back and play and we lost. It was strange."
Personality Qualities Most Admired: "Honesty, loyalty, and competitiveness."
Mark "Scoop" Malinowski is the author of the new tennis books "Facing Federer" and "Facing Hewitt" which are available at amazon. He's currently working on "Facing Probert."