Inferno Interview - Mac Faulkner

15th Jun 2012 | Posted by The Inferno

The next interview in our off season series is with Devils newcomer Mac Faulkner a guy Gerad Adams has been after for the Devils for the last 3 years. After finally getting Faulkner to sign on the dotted line, G had this to say about him-

"For 3 years I've wanted him on our team - he is what the devils and my philosophy are all about - hard working, skilled, and very determined. He led the Italian league in goals and PP Goals two years ago and has been a leader wherever he has played. He makes other players better. This was obvious right from his time as a Captain in his University days.

This is a team guy with an outstanding attitude - that is how everyone we spoke to describes him and I have to say a big thank you to Jay Latulippe, who offered a huge recommendation to Mac about playing in Cardiff. This is my man, he will get any job done' however I personally cannot wait to play with and coach him. He ticks a lot of boxes I felt we needed improvement on from last season. Mac is a huge piece of the puzzle"

29 year old Faulkner spent 4 years at Clarkson University with current Devil Chris Blight and ex Devil Jay Latulippe (Who's been a huge help for the Devils this off season it seems). Going pro after university Faulkner split his time with stints in the AHL which he talks about in the interview and the ECHL where he spent 4 years before making the move to Europe.

Mac spent two seasons with Alleghe and then onto Ritten/Renon where he played with current Devil Chris Blight. Looking through his career, Mac has lined up with some current Elite league players but will now be against them next season.

Recent stats -

We spoke to Mac about his time in Italy, his career overall what he knew about Cardiff before he signed and his views on the Devils chances for next season.

Inferno - When and how did you involved with ice hockey?

Mac Faulkner - I started to skate when I was about 4 and started to play organized hockey when I was 6.

Inferno - Can you tell us what your proudest achievement to date as a pro hockey player?

Mac Faulkner - Probably my last two years on North America when we went on long playoff runs. Being successful in the playoffs with the boys is a great feeling.

Inferno - Who’s the best forward you've played on a line with/against?

Mac Faulkner - I had the opportunity to play on a line with Crosby at an LA Kings developmental camp when he was only 17, the year before his draft year. He was there with his agency and skating with us. He turned out to be a descent player...

Inferno - What do you consider the strongest part of your game and what 1 thing would you improve - and why?

Mac Faulkner - Strongest would be down low and in the corners, winning battles. I try and improve upon everything all the time, no part of any player’s game is perfect (except for maybe Stamkos' one timer, he's got that down to an art), so I try to work on every aspect after practice.

Inferno - You spent the last 3 years in Italy, how did you find the standard of the league when you first arrived up to the day you left? Did the quality rise as the game grew there? Was there a limit on how many Imports were on each team? Also how did you cope with the language barrier?

Mac Faulkner - I enjoyed my years in Italy and think very highly on the quality of players. The imports all come from the AHL/ECHL, some with NHL backgrounds. The Italians themselves are very quick players; the national team guys are highly skilled. I learned to speak conversational Italian which made life easier, the Italian people were very friendly and I have become close friends with many of the people and my team mates.

Inferno - How do you compare the ECHL/AHL to Italy? Was it a similar style of hockey or was it less physical?

Mac Faulkner - Different hockey in that because the ice is much larger in Italy there is more skating and less physicality. I miss the smaller rinks where there is more confrontation and battles.

Inferno - How was last season for you? Did the team do well? Any silverware?

Mac Faulkner - Bit of an up and down season last year, but enjoyed Renon

Inferno - Looking through your career, it seems you’ve lined up on the same team as ex/current Devils. Are you looking forward to joining these players a second time round?

Mac Faulkner - Definitely looking forward to playing with Chris, Max and the Devils. Looking forward and preparing to make a solid run at the league title this season.

Inferno - What attracted you to the UK and have friends helped you in your decision to sign here?

Mac Faulkner - I had talked to Gerad 4 years ago and have a high level of respect for him. Cardiff is a team working its way to the top and I want to be a part of that journey. Jay has said nothing but tremendous things about the city and organization which played a key role in my decision as well.

Inferno - What’s the Best arena you’ve played in for atmosphere and where’s the worst?

Mac Faulkner - The best atmosphere would have been in the Wachovia Centre my first game of pro, 17,000 people for the opening game of the AHL season. My first game as a pro. I don't think I have been more nervous in my life. Worst would be Johnstown, Pennsylvania in the ECHL on a Tuesday night

Inferno - What plans do you have when you hang the skates up?

Mac Faulkner - I'm not 100% sure what I will do after hockey. I feel very lucky to have played as long as I have and am just enjoying preparing for the upcoming season.

Inferno - Do you have any superstitions you’re happy telling us about?

Mac Faulkner - Not really a superstitious guy. Try and get a nap in before every game, but that’s more just to be ready and rested.

Inferno - You’ve got a day off, what are you doing? What’s the ideal day outside of “work”?

Mac Faulkner - The perfect day away from hockey would be a day at the lake then out for a few pints at night.

Inferno - Do you know much about the big blue tent? Has Jay Latulippe told you much about it or has he kept the rink as a surprise for you? Have you been given any information about Cardiff as a City and Wales in general?

Mac Faulkner - The Big Blue Tent? I love the name. I know it is a small surface with awesome fans. I like small arenas, things happen quickly. As well, I have heard nothing but great things about the city from Jay.

Inferno - We like to ask players if they have set themselves goals for the season to come and what expectations they have of their own and the team’s performance. Have you set yourself any goals for the season?

Mac Faulkner - I talked to Jon Gleed who played for Belfast 2 years ago and he talked to me about the regular season championship and its importance. That’s our goal. I want to try and win as much as we can. If we win the regular season it sets us up with the best chance at the playoff title. It won't be easy, there are solid teams in the league, but we look like we have a group capable of, if we put in the work, of competing for both titles.

Inferno - You will be linking up your studies at Cardiff Business School while playing hockey, was this a big factor in signing with the Devils?

Mac Faulkner - The MBA was definitely a piece of the puzzle. The reputation of the organization, my knowing Gerad and respect level for him, what Jay has said, where the team is headed this season and the MBA program were all pieces of the puzzle in terms of me wanting to come play in Cardiff.

Inferno - What can you tell us about Chris Blight?

Mac Faulkner - As for Blighter, the fans are going to love him. Works hard, team guy and has the ability, much like Max, to at any point in a game make a spectacular play to change the momentum of the game. Great player, better guy (just like Latulippe).

We’d like to thank Mac for taking the time to speak to us and wish him all the best for the season. If you’d like a more in depth look at Mac’s as a player take a look at Behind the Nets comparison between him and Sheffield’s new signing Corey Pecker here http://behindthenet.co.uk/remember-the-names/