Kevin Kaminski

Status: NHL center from 1988-1997 for Minnesota, Quebec and Washington. Currently serves as head coach for the Louisiana Ice Gators of the Southern Professional League.

DOB: March 13, 1969 In: Churchbridge, Sask.

First Hockey Memory: "Oh man, so many. Just that every day in hockey is a great one. Just like to play the game with heart and passion."

Nicknames: "Killer."

Hockey Inspirations: "Wendel Clark and Bryan Trottier."

Last Book Read: "Reading Theo Fleury's book right now."

First Job: "Mowing lawns and catching moles."

Current Car: "1988 Jeep Wrangler. With a new top, finally (laughs)."

Greatest Sports Moment: "Getting drafted 48th overall (in 1987 by the Minnesota North Stars) because I wasn't supposed to get drafted. And winning the Calder Cup in 1994 with the Portland Pirates."

Most Painful Moment: "Las Vegas, Petr Nedved wrist shot to the right side of my face, cheekbone. It shattered my whole right side. Two plates and 12 screws to hold my face together. I lost some vision. The doctor said a quarter of an inch higher and I would have been dead, as it would have hit my temple. That one stung a bit."

Favorite Uniforms: "The old Washington Capitals ones."

Favorite Arena: "The old Chicago Stadium. But I played my first ever game in the Montreal Forum, that was pretty cool."

Closest Hockey Friends: "Kelly Chase, Olie Kolzig, Craig Berube, Jeff Nelson and the Hanson Brothers. Love them guys."

Toughest Competitors Encountered: "The legend, Bob Probert. I have so much respect for him. Tie Domi. Paul Laus. (What was it like to fight Probert?) It was a rush. In the locker room before the game I told Olie, 'Tonight's the night.' He looked at me and said, 'What do you mean?' I said, 'I'm fighting Probie!' He said, 'No you're not! And why?' I said, 'He's getting old. And I want to say I fought the legend.' So I did. End of story."

Most Memorable Goal: "Well I only had three of them in the NHL. So it would have to be my first one against Andre Racicot." Favorite Players To Watch: "Ovie, when he's on his game he does it all. Crosby works his butt off and is so talented. That's a lethal weapon when you put a great work ethic together with talent. Just think if Mario Lemieux had his work ethic, he would have scored 350 points a year." Favorite Sport Outside Hockey: "Baseball. I had a chance to play at one time. I love volleyball. But now it's fishing." Funny Hockey Memory: "The guy who has been driving our Zamboni here (in Louisiana) has signed with us. So in between periods he takes off his skates and does the ice. Then, right after, he puts his skates back on and plays with us. Good, solid player, too. You see it all in the minors." Last Vacation: "Last summer I just went back home by myself to spend time with dad and siblings, for a week before the hockey madness started." Personality Qualities Most Admired: "Humble, caring, a great work ethic and confidence.”Mark 'Scoop' Malinowski's second book "Marcelo Rios: The Man We Barely Knew" is available on www.amazon.com. Malinowski is the creator of two websites: www.thebiofile.com and www.tennis-prose.com