Illegal Curve Hockey

Life in Pro Hockey with Rob Schremp (Fourth Entry)

Note: Periodically throughout the season, Oilers’ prospect and current Springfield Falcons’ winger Rob Schremp will provide Illegal Curve readers with a unique insight into the world of professional hockey.

For Rob’s fourth entry, he agreed to answer a Q & A about his time at the AHL All-Star Game.

Here is the interview:

Illegal Curve: Hey Rob, how would you describe your experience in Binghamton last weekend for the AHL All-Star Game?

Rob: It was a lot of fun and just a really big honor to be there.

Illegal Curve: Do you feel like some of the guys in the AHL All-Star Game have been overlooked by NHL teams?

Rob: I think a lot of the guys who were at the game are in the same boat as me. Most of the AHL teams are just trying to develop these guys and want to make sure they are ready to take the next step into the NHL.

Illegal Curve: What were your thoughts on the NHL’s “attempt” to have a shootout contest?

Rob: I thought it was pretty cool, but at the same time it is a lot different than a basketball slam dunk contest; just because ball players are doing all that creative stuff everyday on the court. In hockey, you wont see too many guys in practice trying to use a lacrosse style move or throwing the puck up and doing a 360.

Illegal Curve: How often would you say you practice the shootout move that you pulled at the AHL skills competition over the weekend?

Rob: I like to play around after practice, but never during.

Illegal Curve: Do you think the NHL should invite creative puck-handlers such as yourself to participate in their breakaway contest next season?

Rob: No I don’t. If I’m not actually in the NHL and haven’t been invited to the All-Star Game because of my on-ice play, then definitely not.

Illegal Curve: Finally, what are your personal expectations for the remainder of the AHL season?

Rob: I would like to stay at the top of the scoring leaders and maybe even try to move up a bit. In saying that, I’d like my improved play to help us climb the standings and try to improve on our playoff positioning.