Avalanche Exclusive: Adam Foote

Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989, Adam Foote has been a great player and fan favorite for the organization ever since. From the teams relocation to Denver to his stint with the Blue Jackets, he’s always been an Avalanche at heart. This season he played in his 1,000th career game and we wanted to check in to see what kind of ride it’s been.

CHI got an exclusive interview with the core of the Avalanche blue line. Here are 10 questions to wet your appetite. For the full video interview and to find out what he likes most about Denver, which NHL rule he believes should be changed and the biggest difference between an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup, head to coloradohockeyinsider.com

1) What is your favorite hockey memory?
Watching Ray Borque hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time would have to be it. Seeing the emotion not only in his eyes but the fans, and our players included, was a special moment.

2) What did it mean to you playing in your 1000th game?
It was good. At times, you don’t know if you’re going to make it there especially with injuries we get in this game. I was happy to get that over with for sure.

3) Would you rather score a game winner or block a game winner from the other team?
Well, I’d like to block the game winning shot…as long as it’s not with my face. If it’s got to be my face, then I’ll take the goal.

4) If you could play a shift with any four past or present players, who would they be?
I’d have Sakic at center, Forsberg on the left, Roy in net, with Ray Borque on the left side of me. I might have to pull Wendal Clark out of the hat for the other side. 

5) If you started a hockey equipment company, what would you sell?
I’d probably sell some kind of protection for your skates - those shots you get off the toes or the inside of the boot. The way these skate makers are making them so light these days, there isn’t as much protection as there used to be.

6) Why don’t you think hockey teams just hire an 800-pound goalie kind of like in professional lacrosse?
I love lacrosse; I used to play. Half of it is their equipment. They keep making their nets bigger instead of making their gear smaller. I think with the sharp-shooters we have, once they get the goalies moving side to side, they still have to have agility.

7) Who is the dirtiest player currently in the NHL?
The dirtiest guy right now… geez, that’s a tough call. Vinny Damphousse and Luc Robitaille were pretty dirty and that surprised a lot of people. 

8) Should fighting be allowed in the NHL today?
I think so. We’ve always had a game where we police ourselves. There are a lot of injuries as is. If there was no fighting, you would see even more injuries with guys not respecting each other’s heads and going for the head shots. I think it’s a good thing for our game and the fans like it. 

9) Who is your favorite hockey announcer and why?
I’d have to say Harry Neale and Bob Cole, old “Hockey Night in Canada” along with McClain and his side-kick Don Cherry, just a tradition in Canada that we grew up with.  When we hear Bob Cole and Harry Neale go at it, it’s just a relaxing time. It’s soothing. They are really good at what they do.

10)  How do you like the Avs chances of winning the Cup this year?
I like ‘em. I think we’re better than our record right now. Guys are just getting comfortable with their jobs and situations. It’s a long season but we’ve got a good team and good depth.