Relax readers, it’s not a beauty contest, it’s hockey in Youngstown.  Ryan Jasinsky (pictured) has already achieved a level of success a USHL player wishes for.  Jasinsky was invited to Washington Capitals camp to work out and strut his stuff.  The beat-up look Jasinsky is sporting in the above picture was a result of a fight in last weekend’s exhibition game.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting Ryan and discussing everything from Kimbo Slice to Alexander Ovechkin.

Paneech: How has Youngstown been to you so far?

RJ:  It’s been great, I enjoy it alot.  I’ve had fun hanging out with the guys and going everywhere, it’s a great town.  All of the people seem nice and I haven’t had any problems with anybody. 

Paneech:  Talk about your trip to Washington and how you got the opportunity to participate in workouts with the Caps.

RJ:  Last year they [Washington] scouted me and invited me to rookie camp.  I went to rookie camp with all of the prospects and did really well.  I had a really good rookie game against the Flyers, played really well and had a fight there.  They were impressed enough to ask me to go to camp, and after a couple of weeks they sent me back.  They are definitely going to be looking at me this year and down the road something could happen with them.

Paneech:  When you say something could happen, does that mean they may draft you?

RJ:  Yeah, they could draft me or invite me back to camp next year. 

Paneech:  Tell me what went through your head when you got on the ice with Alexander Ovechkin.

RJ:  Obviously you are a little shocked when you are watching him.  When you get out there with him though, he is just another guy you are playing against.  He’s an unreal individual, person and hockey player.

Paneech:  Why do you follow MMA so closely?

RJ:  My uncle is in the military and he does stuff like that.  I know alot of guys back home, some SEALS, and other military guys who get out of the military and do stuff like that.  I got into it that way.  It’s the conditioning, the exercise, and making yourself into a machine that appealed.

Paneech:  Kimbo Slice or Big Country?  (which happened the night I was interviewing him)

RJ:  Almost gotta say Big Country (laughs), just becuase it is Big Country (which he predicted right).

Paneech:  How far can you take this dream of playing hockey and what makes you think you have what it takes?

RJ:  I felt like I belonged when I was in Washington and didn’t do badly.  The Caps told me that I had a really good showing and that they liked the way I can skate, hit, and fight.  Hopefully I will take this as far as I can and hopefully I don’t get injured to prevent me from doing my best.

Paneech:  Tell me about a typical day right now.

RJ:  When I wake up in the morning I usually go running or try to go to the gym.  Then we practice.  Usually if we have a workout day, I go to the downtown YMCA and have a workout there with Josh from The House of Speed.  Go to practice which is usually high-paced and energetic.   Today we had Pilates after.  Some days I go back to the gym to keep working out.  After it’s all over, I go home and eat dinner and call it a day.

Paneech:  How do you like playing for Coach Mainhardt?

RJ:  He is a great coach to have here.  He is one of the reasons I decided to come here and play.  The staff is a great group of guys who make you feel welcome and provide more of a family atmosphere.  They [the coaching staff] bring you in more like family rather than oh, he’s the head coach and he’s not gonna talk to you. 

Paneech:  Predict your goals and assists for the season.

RJ:  (laughs) I’m shooting for 25 and 25.

One Word Answers 

Favorite Meal Of The Day?  Probably dinner.

Favorite TV Show?  Ultimate Fighter and sometimes Family Guy.

Iced Tea or Milk?  Iced tea

Favorite Thing About Youngstown.  The atmosphere.

Ovechkin or Malkin?  Ovechkin.

Favorite NHL Team?  Washington Capitals (laughs).

Toppings On A Pizza?  Barbecued Chicken Pizza.

One Penalty In Hockey You Would Do Away With.  Instigator.

Gretzky or Lemieux?  Lemieux

Favorite Musician or CD?  Jason Aldean

The Best Thing Anyone Has Ever Done For You?  My mom supporting me doing all of my hockey stuff and always being behind me.

If I Were A Casual Hockey Fan, What Would You Say To Lure Me Into A Phantoms Game?  You will see bodies hit the ice. Hard. 

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