Welcome to Steelers Takeaways! – Page 130 – More than 1,000 interviews of Steelers players, coaches, front office staff, media and more with those that played in the 50’s through today’s current roster.

Rich”Big Daddy”Salgado – Coastal Advisors LLC

First, can you let readers know how you got started in the business and how you got started working with athletes and other well-known people?

I got started working in the business thru a high school friend of mine named John Garrett. I got started working with athletes through networking with former college teammates of mine from the University of Maryland. My college roommate was Neil O’Donnell who went on to play NFL Football with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I met players on NY Jets from my days on Long island and friends that worked there.

How does your approach differ from others – what about your style and offerings made you the choice for these athletes?

My approach is simple I’m not a hard salesman – I work with some of these athlete’s agents, accountants, and financial advisors. I’m recognized nationally through the publications that I have been featured in like, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Business Journal, Sports Illustrated and NFL Network, as well as my appearances on Fox News Channel and Bloomberg News .

You got your start in Pittsburgh – can you tell readers about that Pittsburgh connection – how that came about?

That came about through my relationship with Neil O’Donnell as well as the working relationship that I had with NHL/MLB Agent Tom Reich, his nephew Steve Reich and NFL agent Ralph Cindrich.I was friends with Jim Sweeney who played with the NY Jets (College, played at Pitt). He sent me to meet some local friends and they showed me around. I worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for a while. So, I networked with everyone and went to Steelers games, Pens games, and Bucs games.

What were your impressions of the team and players at the time as you met them through Neil O’Donnell?

Well, the team had a mixture of vets and young guys, with Neil Being one of the young ones . I was fortunate enough to meet Chuck Noll and then got to meet Bill Cowher. As for the players, they became friends of mine through my relationship with Neil. I still speak and see a few of them, like Merril Hoge, Tunch Ilkin, John Jackson and saw Bubby Brister a while back.

Any fun/interesting experiences you can share regarding some of the Pittsburgh athletes you represent?

Well, some of the fun and interesting experiences that I had with Pittsburgh athletes were actually with Penguins players. I did experience seeing the Pens win the Cup and got to meet and become friends with Mario. I actually met the whole team through Mario. Mario wasnt a client but working with his agent Tom Reich helped me befriend and hang with him on some special occasions and be a guest at his golf outings. I was fortunate to see my roommate, Neil O’Donnell play in the Super Bowl. Although they lost, I was so proud of him to get his chance . Some players go many years and never get to the GAME. He did it twice, with the Steelers and Titans.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see athletes make now as it relates to protecting their careers and the services you offer?

The mistake they make often is that they listen to people that aren’t or don’t work in my industry. Most athletes go broke because they listen to bad advice and they put all their eggs in one basket. We try to educate and show them the importance of balance, diversification, and having more than one voice in your camp. TEAM WORK is what helps these athletes succeed. A lot of times we get calls to help but it’s sometimes too late.

What are some of the biggest misperceptions you find athletes have as they discuss insuring themselves through you?

Some don’t ask questions because they feel that I might think they aren’t intelligent. Some actually believe that I only work with first round picks or high-profile clients. Those are far from the truth. We make it our mission to spread the word about what we do to help all clients in both sports and business worlds. Most athletes think that they need to be in their death bed to collect on a disability claim. Far from the truth, policies are payable once the insured is deemed disabled from participating in the sport they are in. The insured can go do something else but play sports.

How have the new NFL and NHL CBA’s affected you, if at all?

Not really, these athletes need protection both on and off the field. Coastal Advisors, LLC works in all four major sports. We INSURE and PROTECT at all times, during lockouts, holdouts and so on.

How do you see the business changing over the next 5-10 years – and why?

I believe that the business will keep on growing due to the fact that people like myself are always putting the word out there that Coastal Advisors,LLC is the #1 place to come to when you are thinking of protecting your contract through career ending disability, or your family through Estate Planning and Life Insurance.

What has surprised you most over the course of your career, and why?

The one thing that I never ever would have ever believed is that I would be answer questions like these for any reporters, television or media publications. I’m fortunate to have been doing reporting for Fox News during the Super Bowls and NFL Draft weeks the past four years. All of my tv hits are on my website as well as my feature articles. I’m still in disbelief but I’m not upset , just happy www.coastaladvisorsllc.com

Any last thoughts for readers?

I never forget where I came from and who has helped me. I had a near death experience in 2008 . I had an aneurysm. To help the hospital that saved my life, I started a celebrity golf outing to benefit the North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital Children’s Brain Aneurysm Center. Michael Strahan, Mike Tyson, Jay Glazer and many more joined me to help raise money for this cause. You can all go to www.bigdaddygolfclassic.com to see videos and pics from last year. We are on again this year on June 23,24th. I’m a big believer in giving back as I’m fortunate to be able to do a job that allows me to help others and do some of the greatest things on this planet.

Thanks for your time.

I Miss Pittsburgh and it was one of my favorite cities that I lived in………….North Park Lounge and Pirmanti’s , Simply the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Brown, Penguins Right Winger, 1987-1991, 1997-2000

Rob Brown:

First, can you let readers know about your coaching career – how you got started and what you like most as a coach?

After I retired I spent the first full year as a stay at home dad to let my body heal, and more importantly, spend some much needed quality time with my two year-old twins. After the year was over I knew I needed to start a new career and a good friend of mine ran a hockey academy and asked if I would like to try coaching at it. After spending time on the ice with these kids, I knew this was where I wanted my next career to go towards.

I love helping kids reach their hockey goals whether it be making a higher level team or learning how to raise a puck. It took me back to when I was a kid and hockey was simply a game we played cause we loved it.

How difficult has it for you to transition from the NHL to a second career – and how were you able to do so?

I never really found it difficult as I left the game when I was ready to leave. I had no regrets and knew I was time to move on. I never considered myself solely a hockey player I felt I was just somebody who was fortunate to play a game I loved as a job. So when I retired I didnt see myself as losing my identity as much as I saw myself moving in a different direction

Who are some of the players and coaches that most influenced your coaching style today, and how so?

I think I probably took a little of all the coaches I had. I was fortunate to play for some pretty impressive coaches from Hitchcock to Keenan to Badger Bob etc. so I took what I liked best from all these men and lost the things that turned me off. Then added my own personality that emphasizes fun.

You read today about the struggles many NFL players face in transitioning from football to a post-sports career. How does the NHL help players do so – if at all, and is the issue as big with former NHL players as it is with NFL ones?

The NHLPA has a life after hockey program that helped with the adjustment to “normal” life by giving me the confidence to try something different. I know of a lot of other players who have struggled and for the most part it is the players that identified themselves solely as NHL hockey players, and when the limelight was turned off, they were left in the dark and had a hard time dealing with the fact that they were now just regular folk and were quickly forgotten.

You were drafted by the Penguins in 1986. What were your thoughts on getting drafted by the Penguins?

I do remember my draft, it was Montreal and the excitement of achieving a life long dream of taking that step towards the NHL. I knew they had a superstar in Mario and was both excited and nervous about taking part in training camp with the world;s greater player.

You had a huge season in ’88”90. What do you attribute that to besides being on the line with Lemieux. What about your game improved the most to allow for those 49 goals and +27 plus/minus rating?

’88-’89 was obviously a very special year and of course playing with Mario allowed my the opportunity to achieve huge success. My greatest attribute as a player was my knowledge of the Game and that allowed me to be in the right place at the right time when playing alongside Mario

What do you see as the most under-appreciated part of your game, and why?

I think my tenacity for the game. I had a huge competitive nature. When I played games I would do whatever it took to beat whomever I was playing against. I hated losing.

Who helped you adjust to the NHL – both on and off the ice – and how did they do so? Any examples?

My father was the biggest influence on my game and the person I leaned on most when times were tough.

What was the biggest difference you found to exist between the minors and NHL – and how did you adjust?

The biggest differences between the NHL and the minors were speed and size and the absence of true superstars.

As for adapting between my father and Ken Hitchcock, I was challenged to be the best player in the world not playing in the NHL and that fueled me to have hugely successful minor pro seasons and probably was the reason that I was able to come back for three more NHL seasons.

Who were some of the biggest characters on the Penguins teams you played for and what made them so? Any examples of the hijinks/personalities on that team?

There were a number of guys that would stand out from Johnny Cullen to Mark Recchi to Phil Bourque to Kevin Stevens. Any player will tell you the biggest thing they miss after their careers are over is the camaraderie that they shared with their teammates in the dressing rooms as well as on the ice. That is something that can’t be duplicated in any other walk of life. And it is funny when you get together with these guys there is never any talk of what happened on the ice. It’s all about what happened off.

What are your favorite memories of your time in Pittsburgh?

The teammates I played with. My first game and first goal. Playing in an all-star game. Every time we stepped on the ice at the beginning of a playoff game. And scoring a goal in my sister’s memory after she passed in 1999.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Having spent some of the greatest years of my life in Pittsburgh, I am loving my post hockey career as well spending quality time with my wife of 14 years and my now 11-year-old twins

Life has been good to Robbie brown and it still is today.

Mewelde Moore, Steelers Running Back, 2008-2011

First, can you let readers know about the Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation – what it is and how you got started in this?

The Mewelde Moore Knowledge First Foundation promotes reading literacy, financial literacy, and sports education development.

I began thinking of knowledge first about nine years ago. when I was a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings.

Continue reading “Mewelde Moore, Steelers Running Back, 2008-2011”

Chris Dahlquist, Penguins Defenseman, 1985-1988, 1989-1991

Chris Dahlquist:

First, can you let readers know about your post-NHL career – how you got started in the financial business and what you enjoy most about it?

My first taste of the financial service industry came in the fall of 1994 while playing for Ottawa Senators. As an NHLPA Player representative during the 94′ Owner Lockout, the deadlocked negotiations with the owners sure seemed like the season might get lost. With that in mind I joined a small investment firm in Minneapolis and got my first taste of the financial service industry. I continued to spent a portion of my office season gaining additional experience until retirement.

Since Retiring in 1998 I have grown a Financial Service business with Prudential Financial, focusing on Individual Asset management and helping small businesses with their benefits coordination. I really enjoy the diversity of my practice. Whether it is helping individuals work through the challenges they face in growing their assets or working with business owners to help them build sustainable benefit packages in these uncertain times gives me a different challenge daily.

From a family standpoint, I’m very fortunate to have my own business and the flexibility of schedule to help coach both my son Chad and daughter Charly during their youth hockey years.

What lessons from your playing career and coaches have helped you most to prepare for this line of work, and how so?

As a professional athlete, you have pressure to perform on a daily basis. There is an instant response to good or bad performance. As a player, you need the ability to rebound from a bad shift and not get too excited after a good one. Consistency and persistency is an invaluable trait when dealing with the volatility of the financial markets and the growing of a business.

And obviously it never hurts clients relationships in Minnesota if you can give a good hockey story or two about Badger Bob Johnson or Mario Lemieux.

How difficult has it for you to transition from the NHL to a second career – and how were you able to do so?

The transition to a more rigid work schedule was not as big a hurdle as I thought it would be. Pro athletes reach that level through sacrifice and regimented work. The greatest challenge when transitioning out of the game for me was the drop in income. A major decision I made when playing was to defer some of my earnings till after retirement. This allowed my family to maintain our current lifestyle (with a few downward adjustments) while I grew my practice to a level we needed. There have been and continue to be hurdles with the balancing of life but last year I reach a milestone. After thirteen years as a financial advisor, this is now my longest career.

The NHL didn’t offer much support when leaving the league. In their defense, I don’t think it is owner’s responsibility to prepare or protect their players when its time to leave their employment. The responsibility lies with the players and the NHLPA. The PA is better equipt to oversee this and have done a better job of late. They sponsor “After Hockey”

You first made it to the NHL in ’85 with the Penguins. Who helped you adjust to the NHL – both on and off the ice -and how did they do so? Any examples?

Tough guy Steve Martinson of the Flyers organization gave me fighting lesson the summer before my 1st year. I figured since he set the AHL penalty minute record that he had some experience. He obviously wasn’t that impressed with me since he was my opponent in my first fight as a pro. In an exhibition game he came out and lined-up across from me at the face-off and said, “Coach told me to “Go-you” since you’re running around”. I was taught right then that there are no friends when you have a job to do and never let up on anyone…friend or foe.

You were known to be a tough defenseman not afraid to fight. But were there aspects of your game you felt were under-rated because of your “tough-guy” role?

That reputation of me being a tough-guy fighter is probably a little over-rated. Out of necessity I was a big body checker and that just resulted in some scuffles.

Who were some of the toughest players you went up against during your NHL career, and what made them so?

Cam Neely, Gary Roberts, Keith Tkachuk…stats say it all 50 goals- 200 PIMS

After over five years in the Pittsburgh organization, you found yourself in Minnesota. What prompted the move and how difficult was that transition for you?

I was actually only in Pittsburgh for five years before the trade to Minnesota. The first move is always the hardest for an athlete but I think Bob Johnson said it best when he called the house to tell me about the trade. Badger said, “I have some good news and some bad news. Bad news is we traded you today…but the good news is you’re going home.” Going back to Minnesota made that first trade transition a lot easier for us.

How has the game changed, from your perspective, since you played, especially as it relates to the role of the enforcer/tough guy?

The game has gotten much more defensive than the 90’s. There were typically five to six defensive specialist on each team. I can’t think of more than a dozen players in the league that would block shots. It is expected today that your 50 goal scorer dives in front of shots. Paul Cofee would always say after blocking a shot that he just lifted the wrong leg.

What are your favorite memories of your time in Pittsburgh?

Day one of my first training camp when I was training on the bike next to Giles Meloche (39 yrs old) and I told him that my squirt team used to hand out Oakland Golden Seals Stickers back when he was playing for them.

Getting engaged to my wife of 25 years Jeanie while going down the Mt Washington Incline on Christmas Eve 1986.

Sweeping NYR in 1988-89 playoffs and the fans throwing bottles at our bus as we drove out from under Madison Square Gardens.

The Penguin Christmas Dinner at the Igloo with my wife at a table with 19-year-old Rob Brown and his 16-year-old date…Alyssa Milano and her nanny.

Watching Zarley Zalapski’s dad save EJ Johnson with the Hiemlich maneuver when he was choking on a piece of steak.

Assisting on Mario Lemieux’s 4th goal of the night during my first NHL Game in St. Louis. Little did I know his seven-point night would be more points than I would get in my next three years.

Scoring a goal in my third NHL game and then going 70 games before my next.

Rodney Bailey, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 2001-2003, 2006

First, can you let readers know what you are doing with yourself since the NFL and how you got started in your post-NFL career?

I’m the regional director for Visalus. I’ve been doing that since I’ve been out of the NFL. Before that I was on tv – the New Network’s Average Joe and the Wall to Wall Sports Show, a local show in Columbus, Ohio.

Can you let readers know more about Visalus?

The VISALUS 90 DAY CHALLENGE is the number one weight-loss and fitness platform in North America. This program is endorsed by celebrities from all walks of life, including, Jessica Biel (actress) Ray Lewis (athlete), Khris Humphries (athlete), Hulk Hogan (athlete/actor), LisaRaye McCord (actress), Master P (rapper), Alfonso Ribiero (actor), Taylor Armstrong (reality show, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).

Continue reading “Rodney Bailey, Steelers Defensive Lineman, 2001-2003, 2006”

Nigel Melville, CEO/President President Rugby Operations, USA Rugby

Nigel Melville, CEO & President Rugby Operations, USA Rugby:

First, can you tell readers how you became the CEO for USARugby and what your main roles are for the organization?

I joined USA Rugby in 2007 as CEO and President of Rugby Operations. That pretty much covers oversight of all aspects of the game.

I am fortunate that I have an excellent staff and can now focus on the next steps for the organization. We started by developing strong youth and high school programs thru State Based Rugby Organizations, we are developing College Conferences now and looking to enhance the Club game. At the High Performance end of the game we have men’s and women’s elite age grade teams and improving National teams.

What are the “next steps” for USARugby – what are some of the organizations biggest goals over the next few years and what steps are you taking to realize them?

Rio 2016 is probably our biggest challenge now that Rugby has returned to the Olympic Games. We now have full time sevens players (Men and Women) training at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, they are now attending more and more events as they develop their squads ahead of Olympic qualification. That’s a pretty big goal for us all!

The other goals revolve around increasing visibility for the game in the media and on TV, and of course developing a professional game for our athletes..

How has having been a former coach of Gloucester (England) and the captain of the England National team in the 80’s helped you in your role?

Obviously having been an international player and professional coach has helped me understand the challenges of becoming an elite player and what it will take to make our National Teams competitive.

Off the field, I spent a number of years with Nike and that experience is certainly helping us re-craft our brand and explore opportunities for us to continue to grow.

What have been the biggest challenges in getting people to adopt the sport early in the states, and how can they do so?

The challenge is to get people to understand that a sustainable future for the game will come from a strong youth game, that we have to build the game and there are no quick fixes..that has been tried and hasn’t worked – so plant the seeds (get a ball in the hands of kids), be patient, nurture (coach them) and eventually reap the harvest (strong international teams).

How has the Pittsburgh area adopted the sport of rugby so far and what big inroads can/will you make to continue to grow interest?

Yes, Rugby is all around you and in Pittsburgh you have an awesome rugby facility that we have used for some of our National College and High School events. The rugby community is passionate and they understand the need to build their programs – they are doing a great job!

How does rugby in the states differ from that of your experiences in England and other countries?

Rugby is a global game with over 115 Countries playing the game, so every country has its own challenges – usually related to the weather and availability of facilities, and both are issues here of course.

As with all rugby people, we are pretty resourceful and make it work! Our field is very similar to soccer fields, so this helps, we prefer grass to turf, but we can play on either. The biggest challenge is helping people to understand the game.

Yes, we are a contact sport and no we don’t wear helmets, but we develop good technique, use our arms to wrap in the tackle, keep our heads off the body and this helps us stay safe. In football the head has become a weapon and that’s dangerous…we don’t do that!

Tell readers about US Rugby – how has it changed over the years and what are your expectations for this season?

We have grown steadily, our game used to be a club based game outside college with often a poor reputation on college campuses, not too much high school rugby and no youth programs. That has changed and we are experiencing explosive growth in some key areas. We have some way to go, but we are building a solid base for the game.

One interesting development has been our new coach registration program that trains our coaches in all aspects of player safety and concussion recognition. We want to provide a safe environment for our athletes when they train and when they play.

We also introduced Rookie Rugby in 2008, a non contact game for boys and girls that has far-reaching opportunities for our Countries youth. Rookie Rugby puts a ball in the hands of a young player and they run – fast!! Great fun and great for kids fitness – the anti-obesity issues are a concern for us all – Rookie Rugby will play its part.

Tell readers a bit about the in-person experience as a fan? How does it differ from other sports?

Our recent international against Italy in June where over 17,200 fans joined us to watch the USA Eagles Men play Italy in the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. I think that gives you an idea about what the vent looks like – its played in MLS Soccer type stadiums, the fan experience includes everything the American Sports fan is looking for – tough athletes and plenty of contact, great food, entertainment and merchandise.

What you will also find are fans that support their teams but recognize and respect their opponents ‘on and off the field’, we are one big global family – one of the world’s ultimate team sports where team spirit, loyalty, commitment and mutual respect are as essential to the game as the ball itself!

I’m sure you’ve seen the issues with concussions in other sports. How is rugby dealing with the issue of concussions and the physical nature of the sport in general?

Yes of course all sports are concerned about concussions and we are certainly making our sport as safe as we possibly can. Our coaches all take on online concussion recognition course, understand that there is nothing ‘tough’ about keeping people in play if they show any concussion symptoms and we take these symptoms very seriously indeed.

The game of rugby globally has been trialing a new rule that allows a coach /referee to take a player out of the game for ten minutes to get a player assessed if there is any suspicion that they may not be OK. This trial is working well and I think it will be introduced across the game shortly.

What do you think would surprise readers who are newer to the sport of rugby most about the sport?

How some of the values that sport traditionally held are alive and well in rugby today despite so many changes to sport at every level. Probably the most important is mutual respect for everyone involved in the game. We still call our referees ‘sir’, we respect our opponents and spend time with them after the game, develop lasting friendships, support each other on and off the field, value team spirit and are committed to helping the next generation embrace and understand these important values. How refreshing.

Any last thoughts for readers?

If you get the chance to watch a game, do it..you will enjoy the whole experience!!

Jim O’Brien: Rocky Bleier remains a great comeback story

Rocky Bleier remains a great comeback story

By Jim O’Brien From Pittsburgh Business Times

When Rocky Bleier was a standout running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they won four Super Bowls in six seasons in the ‘70s, he recalls Coach Chuck Noll advising the players to prepare themselves for their post-football careers or, as Noll called it, “their life’s work.”

Bleier didn’t realize it at the time but his life, or at least his life story, would become his “life’s work.”

He played 12 seasons with the Steelers and got into the investment business with teammate Andy Russell while still employed by the Steelers. He retired after the 1980 season, and became a sports broadcaster with WPXI-TV, but he wasn’t very good at it.

So he started spending more time telling his comeback story from being wounded by bullets and shrapnel from an exploding grenade in a rice paddy in Vietnam, and being told he might not walk again, to becoming a star running back with Franco Harris for one of the greatest football teams in National Football League history.

Bleier’s comeback story is one of the best in sports annals and remains a compelling story of how determination and persistence can win out in the end over overwhelming odds. Bleier wasn’t big or fast, at 5-10, 210 pounds, but he found a way to be part of a winning team. “They don’t measure the size of the heart at these player evaluation camps,” Coach Noll liked to say.

It surprises even Bleier that he is still as successful as a motivational speaker, making about 60 to 70 appearances around the country annually. Gloria Ashcraft is his assistant and runs Rocky Bleier, Inc., and sets his speaking schedule and travel arrangements. “She has been with me for 26 years,” says Bleier, “and she’s the best in the business.”

The challenge of being on the road so much has gotten greater as he approaches his 67^th birthday on March 5. “You can’t get a direct flight to most cities out of Pittsburgh these days,” he says.

His theme is “Be the Best You Can Be,” and it’s a 70-minute program aimed at inspiring his audience to realize their potential. He’s good at it, and he’s even better before and after the way he works the room.

“It’s what you do before and after that really makes the difference,” says Bleier. He confesses that he has always wanted everyone to like him, and he has always worked hard at realizing that goal. “My parents ran a restaurant and bar back home in Appleton, Wisconsin,” he says, “and I learned early how to take care of the customers and keep them happy and coming back for more.”

He has expanded his business activities in recent years. He is a managing member of RBVetCo LLC; a service disabled veteran- owned small business, a general contractor that bids work in both the private sector as well as federal government. Rocky is responsible for overall direction and business development.

His brothers-in-law, Jim and John Gyurina, sit on the board of directors. They are also involved with a sister company, Natural Office Solutions LLC, a company that sells commercial office furniture. There’s also Bleier/Zagula Financial, so Bleier is as busy as he wants to be.

He says that Chuck Noll remains in his mind and is still with him. “I find myself quoting Chuck and his philosophies,” says Bleier, while looking after his two teenage daughters at their home in Mt.Lebanon when his wife, Jan, was away in London with a niece who was doing college study abroad.

“Things Chuck always said come back to you; they help you in other tasks besides football. It’s amazing the impact your coaches and teachers have on you throughout your life. I was fortunate that I had important people in my life who made a difference.”

Bleier offers these suggestions for success:

Set goals and form a game plan that will help accomplish them. Do things with great passion. Overcome adversity. Maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. Work as a team. Learn from winners and mentors. Do community work; it will not only make you feel good, it will show you to be a person worth hiring. Prepare early for your life’s work.”

And, of course, be the best you can be.

Jim O’Brien’s book “Immaculate Reflections” is available at all area book stores, and on his website www.jimobriensportsauthor.com

Don Alley, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1969

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

After getting injured in Canada in 1971, I came back to Colorado and worked with my fathers construction company for about three years, but my love for golf lured me into the PGA apprentice program in 1974 and I spent about 25 years as a club golf professional. I got out of the business in 2001 and have been kind of semi-retired since.

You started in the NFL in 1967 with the Baltimore Colts. As a 16th round pick from a small school (Adams State) how did you prove yourself to the coaches to make the team?

I was a very similar receiver to Raymond Berry who was somewhat successful for a few years, and I think that because of his success, I might have got a little longer look than I would have otherwise. I did have a good work ethic, and wasn’t afraid to spend my time on the “special teams”

Continue reading “Don Alley, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1969”

Alex Hicks, Penguins Left Winger, 1996-1998

Alex Hicks:

First, can you let readers know about your job at the Desert Youth Hockey Association in Phoenix – how you got started and what you like most as a coach?

I am an assistant hockey director at DYHA. My responsibility is to communicate with all of the associations coaches and managers about scheduling, tournaments, concussion awareness and testing, hockey operations and strategies. I began coaching when my three kids took up hockey. I did not want to at first because I wanted them to learn the game on their own. I soon found out that I was needed on the ice and I began helping right away. I have loved every minute of it.

How difficult has it been to drum up interest in hockey in the Phoenix area and how have you done so?

Hockey is very popular in Phoenix. Phoenix has had a professional team in the city at various levels since the early 70’s. There are countless people who have moved here from hockey hotbed cities like Chicago and Detroit. It is not difficult to get people involved.

As a coach, who are some of the players and coaches that most influenced your coaching style today, and how so?

The coach that most influenced me was Kevin Constantine as he was a stickler for details.. He was very demanding to play for but ultimately he was fair. I find myself molding into a version of him. I also try to use my success and struggles as a player to teach the players I coach valuable hockey and life lessons..

You were traded to the Penguins from Anaheim in ’96. How difficult was that for you and how did you adjust?

It was very difficult at first as I was new to the league and just starting to feel comfortable in Anaheim. I loved playing for the Ducks and I felt that I was a great fit for them. That all changed when I got to Pitt and I was welcomed right away by both the team and city.

I loved Pittsburgh and it was a sad day for me when I left.

How would you describe yourself as a player and how did you mesh with that Penguins roster?

I was a hard working tenacious player. I played as hard as possible and was always there to help my teammates. I was a typical blue collar type worker and I really fit in well with the team and city.

Who were some of the biggest characters on that Penguins team and what made them so? Any examples of the hijinks/personalities on that team?

I always admired Jaromir Jagr for how good he was. I don’t think he ever got the credit for how hard he worked off the ice because he lifted weight after every game we played. He always had a smile on his face and he kept the mood light.

At the time he was the best player in the league and I thought that was cool.

That turned out to be the year of Mario Lemieux’s first retirement. How was that received by the players and staff – what was the effect the announcement and his health had on the team?

Mario was always quiet and reserved. When he did speak however, we all listened. His announcement came as a shock to all of us and left a great deal of uncertainty moving forward. Ultimately Ron Francis took control of the team the next year and did a great job leading us to a successful season.

That year, Eddie Johnston was released near the end of the season and General Manager Craig Patrick took over as coach. How did the players react to that move – especially with the GM now being your coach?

It was stressful when all that came down. Eddie was a players coach and let us figure most things out ourselves. The guys on the team loved him. When he was fired there was a great deal of remorse on the players part that we let him down.

Craig was very easy to play for and the transition was fine. We just ran into a horrible matchup for the playoffs..

There’s a great deal of movement between leagues and cities for hockey players. How does that affect you – both on and off the ice – as a player?

You just get used to it… You learn to never get too comfortable…

What is the biggest misperception you think fans have about hockey players and the sport itself?

I don’t think there is too much of a misperception. We are all just regular guys playing a great sport. The fans always seemed to relate with us real well.

What are your favorite memories of your time in Pittsburgh?

My favorite memory in Pittsburgh was my first game with the team after I was traded. I played on a line with Mario and Jagr.. Wow…

Dennis Hughes, Steelers Tight End, 1970-1971

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL and how you got started in your post-NFL career?

Now, I’m unable to do much of anything. I’m a good bit disabled. My back is not in good shape. My knee was replaced. I had a disk taken out…screws in my back. I take it day-to-day…that’s how I feel.

Are these all football related injuries?

They are all football related, yes. A lot of them have to do with the field in Pittsburgh then. It was the worst field in the game, and then I went to the second worst stadium in the NFL after Pittsburgh in Houston. I played in the two worst fields in my two and a half years. I guess it wore me out….

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