Mark: I am from Jamestown, Rhode Island. It is actually a little island about 2x7. There are only about 4,000 people there. I really like it; it is nice country life. I started hockey when I was about four years old because of my brother. Ever since I just fell in love with the game, and I think it is always going to be in my life.
Sarah: Where is that at in Rhode Island?
Mark: It’s right on the coast on southern Rhode Island.
Sarah: I was actually there. My boyfriend goes to Providence College. I love it out there.
Mark: It is great! I love Rhode Island!
Sarah: It is very, very pretty.
Mark: I am actually hoping to go to Providence College.
Sarah: Are you?
Mark: It is about 30 minutes from my house, and all my friends are around that area.
Sarah: Have they talked to you?
Mark: Yeah, I talk to them a lot.
Sarah: Is there a big possibility?
Mark: Actually, I used to talk to them before the season a lot. It is kind of dwindling now. Hopefully there might be a chance.
Sarah: Good luck with that.
Mark: Thanks.
Sarah: That’s a nice school. When did you start playing, at what age?
Mark: Age four. Actually, my brother started playing when he was six. My head would peak over the boards and I used to say to my dad, "Me too, Dad. Me too." He let me have a pair of skates and that was it.
Sarah: You already said you’ve always liked it. So you think it will always be a part of your life?
Mark: I hope so, I really do. I hope I have a good career in it. If not, that is fine.
Sarah: How did you come to play for the Bucs?
Mark: Actually, Scott Owens started calling me late in my senior year. Then I visited the web site and I learned a lot more. I talked to Nick Krueger. He came out and saw one of my games. They tended me before the draft. I came here. I felt it was the best thing for me.
Sarah: What were the past teams that you played for?
Mark: I played for Bishop Hendricken High School. It is a high school in Rhode Island. I played for an all star team in Boston, a Select 17 team. Those are the only important ones.
Sarah: What do you like best about being a Buc?
Mark: I would have to say the hockey. It is so much better than Rhode Island hockey. It was really an adjustment level. I mean, I had to try real, real hard to keep up with everybody. I think I am fine on my own right now. The hockey is fantastic out here and I really love it.
Sarah: So will you be back next year?
Mark: That is a possibility. If no colleges offer me anything, I would love to come back here.
Sarah: It would be good experience.
Mark: Yeah.
Sarah: What other future plans, goals?
Mark: I am actually hoping to get into computer graphics. I am taking a class at DMACC right now. It is actually very interesting and I’m starting to like it a lot.
Sarah: That is what I am going into.
Mark: Oh, really?
Sarah: Are you interested in web design?
Mark: I don’t know. This is my first class so I am really like ignorant.
Sarah: If you are really interested, I have got people that you can talk to.
Mark: Really?
Sarah: They work for Meredith Corporation - they do big web sites and publsih magazines,
Mark: I don’t think I’m at that caliber yet. I mean, I am only taking one class.
Sarah: In 20 years, where would you like to be?
Mark: Twenty years? Oh, wow! I would love to have a nice family, at least four kids. You know, two sons, two daughters. I would love to teach them hockey and just live in some suburb in the country. Probably around the coast somewhere because I love the beach. Hopefully be well off.
Sarah: What are your hobbies?
Mark: I like to draw on the computer. I like to sketch. I am starting to like reading a lot more than I used to. Meditate sometimes before the game. That is about it, I guess.
Sarah: You mentioned you like the beach. Do you think of that as a hobby?
Mark: No, no. It is just fun. Actually, I like playing tennis and golf, too. I guess those are my hobbies, too.
Sarah: Do you have an embarrassing moment to tell me about? It does not have to be hockey oriented.
Mark: That is a tough one. I don’t know. I can’t really think of one right now.
Sarah: How about a moment that you remember the most?
Mark: I think when I met Bobby Orr. He seemed like such a nice guy. He shook both my brother and my hands. He just seemed like a real out going person. You watch him in the hockey games and you are like, wow, he is a really good player. Then to have a great personality to go along with that, that is great to know.
Sarah: What would you like to tell the fans?
Mark: Keep supporting us. They are great. I love playing at home. The fans gets behind us 110% and it is just so much fun when they’re right there. You score a goal and they go crazy. You can’t even hear yourself think. It is quite an experience; I love playing here!
