Scott Dobben Speaks to the Inferno

The Inferno’s back with another player interview, this time in the form of Ottawa Senators drafted Scott Dobben.
He's been described as the "under the radar" player who so far has shown us exactly this. Right place at the right time and he lights up the net! Quick skater, good faceoff winner and his two way game will play a big part in the Devils picking up wins this season. He's ambitious and hoping to help take the club that final step to the silverware this year.

Scott has spent most of his career in North America but spent a little time in Germany in the 2.bundesliga before heading to the UK.
Scott will combine his hockey with his MBA at Cardiff Business School. We will be catching up with him again during the season to see how his year is going on and off the ice.
Inferno (INF).What got you started playing hockey in the first place? What age did you start? Have you always played as a forward?

Scott Dobben (SD) I was very young (2 years old I think) and my parents enrolled me into hockey. Actually in minor hockey we would switch position and I attempted goalie, but was unsuccessful.

INF - In all your years playing, what’s your favourite memory?

SD- Winning a major championship in the OHL and being drafted to the NHL.

INF - Do you follow an NHL team?

SD - I used to be a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan, but as the years went on became involved more in my hockey then the NHL so now I’m just a fan of the sport and not an actual NHL team.

INF - Who’s the best forward you’ve played on a line with and against?

SD - When I went to the Ottawa Senators training camp I was on a line with Jason Spezza. Also when I played in OHL I was line mates with Brad Boyes (Buffalo Sabers).

INF - Where do you see hockey taking you? Is coaching something you’d consider or do you have ambitions in mind for after hockey outside of the sports?

SD- Hockey has taken me around the world and now it is helping obtain more education with an MBA from the Cardiff Business School. As for the future I hope to be involved with some form of sports in a business capacity. I dont see coaching on the horizon but things could change.

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

SD - I wouldn’t say I’m overly superstitious but I like to follow a routine. It’s really nothing you would find interesting so I won’t bore you with them.

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

SD - I think my strong points are my skating and two way play. I like to take face offs and play in important situations. There are tons of things I would like to improve on and I work on everything daily as a whole.

INF - 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?

SD - The team last year set the bar very high and i'd like to see the team go the final stride and win a championship. Winning is one of the greatest feelings in the world and personally I want to do my best to help us achieve that goal.

INF - Has G set you any targets for the season? In the past he’s been quite upfront in telling guys “ I expect you to…” have you had the same ?

SD - We really haven’t sat down and talked about personal goals, but I assume they are what I expect out of myself. Such as playing hard every game, and contributing when I can offensively and defensively.

INF- What (if anything) have you been told about Wales or Cardiff?

SD - I was told Cardiff is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The country side is beautiful and the people are very friendly.

INF - Had you heard much about the hockey in the UK before you signed here ? You spent last season with Kaufbeuren ESV in the Germany Bundesliga 2 how do the two leagues compare.

SD- I’ve heard that the Elite league gets better every year and it’s an up and coming league in Europe. I would say that this league is much more physical than the 2.bundesliga but the skill level is comparable.

INF - You have the day off, where are you what are you doing?

SD - Depending on how tired I am I would be out exploring the city or the region. I like to golf and I hope to get out and try the Welsh courses. Once school starts feel like I will be dedicating a few hours to my studies as well.

INF- With a few warm up games under your belt how are you finding your line mates Ben and Brad?

SD - I feel very comfortable playing with the two of them. Ben is a very skilled and fast young player who has a lot of potential. Brad is menacing force out there and creates a lot of room for everyone on our line.

INF - Your signing has been described as 'under the radar' by G (Gerard Adams), what can the fans expect to see when you roll out for that first league game against one of our biggest opponents, and the team that somehow beat us to the playoffs ?

SD - Well, my two way game will be my strongest asset. Playing hard in both ends of the ice and adding offense when I can is what the fans can expect to see.

We’d like to thank Scott for taking the time to speak to us and look forward to speaking to him again later on in the year.