Part 1 of our chat with Jay

In the latest of our off season interviews we catch up with an ex Devils fan favourite (other than “that goal” up in Dundee to stop 2010-11 winning streak) It's no other than Jay Latulippe.

Jay started his career through college before heading to the ECHL for 2 years before hitting up the CHL where he posted some decent numbers before heading to the Devils. Jay known for his witty chirps at players on the ice and in the penalty box, at times, this cost him but very lucky to have certain enforcers on the ice with him.

After moving on from the Devils, he headed up to Dundee for a year before heading to Holland where he again posted some impressive numbers. Jay has now signed in France for the forthcoming season.

We talk to Jay about his career, his future plans and that famous chirp aimed at Ryan Finnerty a few years back. We also took the chance to pick Jay’s brain on Devils new signing Mac Faulkner.

We are going to run the interview in two parts as Jay ( largely as expected ) had quite a bit to say so check back later in the week for part two.

The Inferno (IF) When and how did you involved with ice hockey?

Jay Latulippe (Jay) I got involved in Ice Hockey from my family. My parents are from Northern NY on the Quebec border so i guess it comes w the territory.  My family was heavily involved in hockey there whole lives. So when my parents moved to Saratoga Springs they put me into hockey around the age of 3.

The neighbourhood I lived in was filled with kids the same age so we just played hockey from morning till night. Then from there we were all on the same teams growing up. We ending up winning 3 NY state championships in hockey and 2 in baseball. It was just a tight knit group that worked real hard  and were real/over competitive all the time. I think this was planted into our brains from the coaches at a young age.

My father Jay Sr and my uncle Bob Santamoor. Just no nonsense, hardnosed coaches that expected 100% work ethic and teamwork all the time which shaped the players on and off the ice. So when it was time to pick between hockey and baseball, I picked hockey of course. Just something that builds up inside you when you’re on the ice. It’s the best sport on earth.

IF-  What do you consider the strongest part of your game (chirping?) and what 1 thing would you improve - and why?

Jay - I think the strongest part of my game is finding the open man and my vision on the ice. I take a lot of pride in my passing and like to know where my team mates are at all times. I was always taught that the puck moves faster than the man. Also I don't mind running my mouth a bit and getting under people's skin haha. I don’t know if there is just one thing I would like to improve.

As a hockey player I like to improve everything about my game every summer and practice. You practice how you play (most of the time). And it's all about practicing good habits and being consistent. But I always like to improve my skating. When your my size, it's gets you out of trouble.

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

Jay - I don’t know if I can just list one player that I would consider the best I've ever played with or against. After 7 years of pro hockey that's tough. There are so many different styles of players and it's hard to say that they are the best.

But I really enjoyed playing with a guy by the name of Blaine Bablitz. We played together in Odessa (CHL) and we played a very similar style. We put up good numbers together but even better we came to play every night. He was small like myself but gritty and very skilled. I really enjoyed playing with him.

Another guy is Brad Voth. Obviously he wasn't the most skilled on the ice but he played the game how it should be played (violent?!?) He had that great shot that found the back of the net. I loved his style of play and his work ethic on the ice (and in the pub haha) If you think about it, he scored a lot of big goals for the Devils and stuck up for the Devils through and through. He would end someone's career with a hit, fight twice, score the game winner, sign 4000 autographs and then have 11-16 pints. Classic. I have never seen a crowd of people take their shoes off and wave them over their heads because they loved a player so much. He was the mayor, what can I say.

Best player I played against is tough because I usually hate the opposition so much. Haha but you have to respect guys like Jeff legue, Joey Talbot, Jade Galbraith. Most games they would be real quiet and I wouldn't notice them. Then all of a sudden they would have a hat trick in 7 mins. And they do it year after year in the UK. Then guys like Sebastian Thinel and Dominic Leveille that I played with/against in the CHL that were just so skilled and gifted. They made people look real Amateur.

IF-  Who’s the Best D man you've come up against?

Jay - Best D I've played against would have to be Doug Murray.  He plays for the San Jose Sharks now.  But I played against him in Uni when he was at Cornell and I was at Clarkson. I also played against him a few years in Jr as well.  He was just a man child. Huge guy with good skill, a huge shot and liked hurting people. Just a monster though. Probably ate a whole entire deer for most meals.

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

Jay - Greatest achievements in hockey-  I have never won a championship in pro hockey and am dying to win one. Have been very close with the Devils on several occasions and also playing for Tilburg in Holland losing in the Bekker Cup finals. So to date would have to be the player of the year in Cardiff and In Dundee.  But believe me I want my greatest achievement in pro hockey to be a championship more than anything rather than something individual.

IF-  We spotted you mention the new Devils signing Mac Faulkner on Twitter. What can you tell us about him as a player and off the ice ?

Jay - Mac is one of my best friends.  I had the pleasure of spending 4 yrs with him at Clarkson University. As a player Mac fits the Cardiff mould to a T. I think the one thing that sets him apart from most players is his strength. He likes to park himself in front and no one can move him. G's press release really said it all. He's just the whole package. The fans will love him.  Off the ice-  oh boy!!! I really can't put it into words haha. He's just a classic. Not only does he work hard on the ice but you should see him on the dance floor haha. Overall just a great guy. He'll will have a immediate impact on the team.