Sports stats

USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Q & A with Joe Finley

August 4, 2004 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


With Stampede hockey just around the corner the Stampede are doing their own "Get to Know Em" campaign by doing question and answer segments with some of the new Stampede players. This weeks Q & A is with Stampede defenseman Joe Finley. Finley is from Edina, MN and spent last season playing with Edina High School. It will be hard to miss him on the ice this season, he stands at 6'7" 230-pounds! He's certainly not your average hockey player, but he has not only size but great stick handling skills as well. Finley is excited to join the Stampede and help the team make a run at a Clark Cup Championship. Enjoy the Q & A with Joe Finley!

Q & A WITH JOE FINLEY

Q: Being only a Junior in high school, was it a difficult decision to leave early and join the Stampede?

A: The most difficult part in my decision was knowing I would be leaving all the great people around me. At the same time, it was also an easy choice because I am being given the chance to play for a great organization in the top Junior Hockey League in the United States.

Q: Someone of your size doesn't typically play hockey, did you ever play any other sports growing up?

A: Yes, I played basketball for some time, but I was always fouling out.

Q: Why did you choose to play hockey?

A: Ever since I was little (which I was once!) I was always watching hockey. The physical play and overall speed of the game must have caught my attention.

Q: Where does the size come from in your family?

A: My dad's side of the family more so, but both sides are fairly tall.

Q: Your Dad is a basketball coach; does he ever try and get you to switch to playing basketball?

A: I'm sure he's had a few comments over the years, but he knows that my heart's in hockey.

Q: Explain your local family ties to the Sioux Falls area?

A: My dad's cousins live all over the Sioux Falls area.

Q: What kind of player do you consider yourself to be?

A: A defenseman who doesn't shy away from the offense, but is more worried about good defense than scoring goals.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your first season with the Stampede?

A: Earning a playoff spot, having fun and improving all aspects of my game - on and off the ice.

Q: You are eligible for the NHL Draft next summer, does that give you any extra incentive for the upcoming season?

A: It means that I'm going to work that much harder and give my team everything I've got night in and night out.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

A: Hands down it's my Mom. She has always been there for me to give me advise and encouragement in everything I do.

Q: Did you win any sport championships or individual awards growing up?

A: It's never been about the individual awards, but my team was PeeWee A State Champs in 2000.

Q: Outside of hockey, what are some of your hobbies?

A: Boating and fishing.

Q: What are you currently doing this summer?

A: Working out and gearing towards making an impact for the Stampede.

Q: When your hockey playing days are over, what would you like to do?

A: I'd love to coach hockey. I see my dad giving back to basketball by coaching and I can't think of a better thing to do than give back to the sport of hockey by coaching.

Q: If you could play college hockey anywhere, where would it be and why?

A: That's another one of those questions I'm not touching with a ten-foot pole!

Q: The front office staff has been trying to come up with a nickname for you, what would you like your nickname to be?

A: We have one around Edina, but I think it's for you to decide.

Favorite hockey player: Chris Pronger (St. Louis Blues)
Favorite hockey team: St. Louis Blues
Favorite TV show: Sports Center
Favorite Movie: Slap Shot
Favorite Band: Eminem
Favorite Video Game: Halo
Favorite sport other than hockey: Football
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta

Check out the Sioux Falls Stampede Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from August 4, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Sioux Falls Stampede Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central