Inferno Interview - Adam Keefe

2nd Feb 2012 | Posted by The Inferno

Hello and welcome to the latest Inferno interview; as we said last time we are looking to interview the leagues characters and they don’t get much bigger than this one. Our newest interview is with one of the “Bash Brothers” from the Belfast Giants - Adam Keefe.

A gritty, hard-hitting player who’s happy to drop the gloves but there's more to this guy than just your typical, Out and out Enforcer or “Goon” if you prefer. Keefe's career speaks for itself, spending the majority of his career to date in the AHL/ECHL with some standout years which Keefe talks about in the interview.

Keefe is known for his "chicken dance" in Cardiff which he aimed at one or two players from the Devils roster earlier in the season.

We catch up with Keefe going into the business end of the season and talk about his career to date, his move to Belfast and how things are going with their organisation. He also talks about a training camp he runs back home, his future and his views on the BBT.

The Inferno (IF).At what age did you first start playing hockey? Who were your inspirations or heroes when you were younger?

Adam Keefe (AK) Started to learn to skate around age 4. Parents put me on a hockey team at 5 and have been playing ever since.
My brother Sheldon played in the NHL and he was 4 yrs older then me, so I had seen the path I wanted to follow first hand. I guess you could say he was my inspiration.

(IF). You spent last season with the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL and the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, how are you finding the Elite league compares to the standards you’ve played at before?

(AK).The Elite league is much different given the 3 different championships and the biggest being the league Championship. Back home in the ECHL/AHL/NHL the playoff championship is the big one. I find that the biggest difference. But as far as the level of hockey there are a lot of good hockey players over here but id have to say there is much more depth back in North America.

(IF).What influenced your decision to come to the UK? and how easy was the move to Belfast ?

(AK).I had heard nothing but great things about the city of Belfast and the Organisation and I was ready for a change in scenery, so when Doug called I did my research and decided to take a chance on Belfast and it has been fun so far this season.

(IF). You’ve spent quite some time in the AHL and the ECHL, how do the fans in the UK compare to the North American fans?

(AK).The fans in the UK are just as passionate as the fans in North America which was a pleasant surprise.

(IF). What’s been your best moment playing hockey so far?

(AK).I’d have to say all of my NHL exhibition games were an amazing experience and something ill never forget and winning the Memorial cup in 2003 with the Kitchener Rangers is the other.

(IF). Do you follow an NHL team? Or is watching Hockey too much like work?

(AK).I follow a couple teams in the NHL. I have 2 good buddies in the league, Mike Richards LA Kings and David Clarkson NJ Devils, I watch there games when I can given the time change. Also I follow the Maple Leafs because they are my hometown team and I would like to see them in a playoff hunt, the city would go insane

(IF). One quick question on the NHL - As a former Kitchener Ranger do you think that the Pete DeBoer to New Jersey move will revitalise his NHL career, and is it nice to see Clarkson having a career year under his rookie mentor?

(AK). Absolutely. Pete DeBoer is one of the best coaches I have played for. He knows how to win and given the right opportunity and enough time to make the team buy into his system they will win. As for my good friend Clarky his numbers this year speak volumes for the confidence Pete has in him. He is currently playing on a line with Kovalchuk and Elias. Clarky needed a coach to have that kind of confidence in him. I believe he will score 30 one day in NHL if not this season.

(IF). If you had to pick one part of your game you would improve, what would it be and why?

(AK).Definitely my skating, hockey today is all about skating. If I could do it all over again I would of worked on my skating a lot more.

(IF).You’ve got a day off, what are you doing? What’s the ideal day outside of “work”?

(AK).Truth? Recovering from the night before, haha, no mostly relaxing at home or hitting the gym

(IF). Are you one for superstitions and rituals pre-game? If you are would you comfortable telling us what they might be?

(AK).Not really any crazy superstitions other then the usual pasta chicken pre game meal and a pre-game nap. At the arena a bit of sewer ball with the boys and quick warm up before I get the gear on.

(IF).Can we ask if you’ve thought about next season as yet? Will you look to stay in the UK, take a step into Europe or is a move back to American Hockey on the cards?

(AK).I have thought a little bit about next season but for the most part im concentrating on finishing this season strong and seeing what the summer has to offer me.

(IF).The Giants have dominated the league so far this season is this "the year”?

(AK).This season started out hot for us and we have for the most part kept the ball rolling despite some big roster changes. I hope this is 'the year' but time will tell. We have a very tough next couple month of battles to get to where we want to be.

(IF). The Giants have seen a lot of movement this season, with guys moving on and all the injuries. Have you found the lack of Stability an issue or has it been business as usual?

(AK). I think at times we have had to battle some adversity but so does every team in this league at some point. You just have to keep pushing through with what team is on the ice each game at a time.

(IF). We've noticed that you will be running a hockey camp back home over the summer. Is this a new move for you, and is coaching something you are interested in for the future? Is there a link to a website?

(AK). Yes this school is a new thing I will be doing this summer, but I have been involved in teaching kids on the ice and off the ice in the gym on how to train hockey specific. The website is http://www.hustlenheart.com It will be located in the Toronto surrounding areas.

(IF). Twitter and social media in general is lowering the barriers between players and fans at all levels of the sport. Do you think this is a good move for the sport, how difficult is it for players to get right, and do you feel that you have managed to find the right balance yet?

(AK).I think twitter is a great thing for the sport of hockey, it allows the fans to get to know the players personalities a little bit and also to hear out the opinions of the players, referees, coaches or media as well. I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion but should be prepared to receive some criticism back if they choose to take to the keyboard to bash players or coaches or referees or even fans. All for the banter.

(IF). One last thing - Cardiff's Big Blue Tent. Were you warned beforehand, and what were you're thoughts when you first saw it? (Hopefully it only has a season left).

(AK). I was warned beforehand that it was a very small arena and a very tough arena to win in with the size of the arena the way the devils pride themselves on playing hardnosed hockey and the way the fans have an impact on the game. But I love playing in atmospheres like that, makes me play better. You know your going into a war when you head to the BBT.

We would like to wish Adam all the best for the remainder of the season and wherever his career takes him.