The first conversation I ever had with Luke Eibler took place in the elevator at The Covelli Centre before a Youngstown Phantoms game.  Granted, there are not many things you can talk about with someone you do not know when descending one floor in an elevator.  However, one floor on that elevator is like ten floors on a normal one, it has to be one of the world’s slowest.  I had seen this guy the night before wearing a suit and filming the game.  I assumed he was a paid member of the Phantoms video team.  The next night, as I struck up some matter-of-a-fact conversation, the young man informed me that he couldn’t wait to get back on the ice.  The guy I met that night has always smiled and said hello since, drawn praise from his coaches and fellow Phantoms, and is probably the most humble athlete (with amazing upside) I have ever spoken with.  That young man is Luke Eibler, and here are the highlights of our recent talk.

Paneech:  Talk about how you first got into playing hockey.

Eibler:  My father was never really big, so when I was about two years old he put me on the ice figuring I didn’t have to be huge to skate or play hockey.  I have been playing hockey since, and I really love the sport.

Paneech:  Talk about your future at Northeastern University and beyond.

Eibler:  I’m excited about Northeastern.  They have great coaching and there are alot of guys who can really play the game attending that school.  Three years ago they only won three games and last year they won 25.  If by some chance I got drafted, I would want to go to college for a couple of years.  As an NHL defenseman, I would need to bulk up a bit, I’m just not big enough yet.

Paneech:  How did you end up in a Phantoms uniform?

Eibler:  Last year I played for Victory Honda.  I played in a few tournaments and did well.  In the Futures Draft, Indiana picked me and I got traded to Youngstown six days before training camp.  Me and [Scott] Mayfield got traded to the Phantoms for Nick Madsen. 

Paneech:  Tell me how you injured your shoulder and how you are dealing with returning.

Eibler:  I have hurt it twice.  The first time, Nick Czinder hit me over the bench at practice.  I broke a bone and was out for three weeks.  I came back, played a few games, and my AC joint in the same shoulder got messed up and I missed a couple more weeks.  It really hurt a couple of weeks ago, but it feels 100% now.  I am hitting with my left shoulder more.  I feel like I get more power when I skate off of my right foot and deliver a blow with my left shoulder.

Paneech:  What is a harder skill, checking or digging the puck out of a crowd?

Eibler:  Coming up to a guy, you always want to lead with your stick to poke the puck out and then follow through with your body afterwards. 

Paneech:  Describe the living situation.  Do you guys all stay with a host family?

Eibler:  We all live with host families.  You either live with another player or by yourself.  Some people live with two other guys.  They [host families] have rooms for us.  I live by myself in Poland.  It is a very different experience because I have never lived with another family before.  I am already graduated, so I will go work out and be on the ice until at least 3:30 pretty much every single day.

Paneech:  Coach Mainhardt talks about “sticking to the gameplan” and is awfully frustrated after you guys lose usually saying someone did not follow instructions.  How do these people get sidetracked?

Eibler:  Sometimes guys can get off of the gameplan.  Most of the time we try to stick to what the coaches are telling us.  You have to forecheck and backcheck.  If you stick to the system, you win more than you lose.  When guys do their own thing like skating out of lines or throwing the puck around, it creates turnovers , 2-on-1, and 3-on-2 situations.

 

Paneech:  What are your statistical goals for the year?

Eibler:  If I could put up 20 points I would be happy.  As a defenseman, you are looking to pass more than shoot and my stats are pretty uneven right now.  I have three powerplay goals, but I do not look for shots too often.  All of these guys have pretty good skills, but the forwards are much more skilled than the defenseman are.  If we can hit them with a breakout pass or catch them wide, it lets them do their work.  Sometimes defenseman shoot and the forwards crash the net.

Paneech:  Explain all of the stuff I see going on behind the curtain and before a game.  I have seen people sprinting, throwing Nerf balls around, soccer balls flying,  and playing hackey-sack.  Are these things to keep your mind free or loosen you up before a game?

Eibler:  They are just warmup activities to keep the guys loose.  You have to go into the game loose.  You have to be focused, but you also have to be loose.  You never want to go into a game uptight.

One Word Answers

Favorite Meal Of The Day:  Dinner.

Favorite TV Show:  Family Guy.

Favorite NHL Player:  Joe Sakic.

Biggest Phobia:  Feet.

Worst Habit:  Taking a game too seriously.

Favorite Toy As A Child:  My bow and arrow.

Favorite Musician:  Kenny Chesney.

Favorite Holiday:  Christmas.

Favorite Soft Drink:  Arizona Iced Tea (Tropical).

Other Sport You Watch Besides Hockey:  College Football.

A Couple Of Words That Describe Coach Mainhardt:  Good Guy.

*** A note of interest.  Eibler grew up near Ann Arbor, Michigan.  When I asked the one-word answer about a sport besides hockey to which he responded ‘college football’, I was forced to ask, and yes Youngstown, I am sorry to inform you that he is a Michigan fan.