Gatineau Olympiques Adam Chapman Interview

Chapman was drafted in the 8th round of the 2010 OHL draft by the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds. As a rookie he was able to make the Greyhounds out of training camp and stayed with the team for 42 games. Chapman knew if he wanted to stay in the OHL he would need to make an adjustment to his game, so he did. In those 42 games with the Greyhounds he racked up 41 penalty minutes and made a transition to become more of a role player. He was then claimed off waivers by the Sarnia Sting, the same team who drafted his brother Joshua Chapman. Adam joined the Gatineau Olympics of QMJHL during the 2011-2012 season. At last he finally found a home becoming an instant crowd favorite. He's the type of player you adore when he's on your team but cringe in fear if he's not.
I had the opportunity to interview the Markham Ontario native.

1. How would you describe your role with the Gatineau Olympiques?

My role on the team is to put up some points by doing



the dirty work around the net. I like screening the goalie, tipping in shots and getting rebounds. I also like to play physical, fight and run my mouth a lot. I find it throws the other players and goalies off their game, which makes my job easier.

2. Do you embrace playing the villan?

I have a lot of fun being the pest out on the ice, and I know if I want to have a future in hockey I need to bring something unique to the table.

3. At what age did you know hockey was what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

I've loved hockey for as long as I've been alive. I started playing when I was 4 and since then it's always been a dream of mine to play in the NHL.

4. Whats the best part about fighting an opponent?

I like fighting to stand up for my teammates or to get the team going when we need a boost.

http://youtu.be/3b4fa3Ap_qs

5. What are your plans for next season?

My plan for this season is to have a really big season both personally and as a member of the Olympiques. I think we'll have a really strong team that will win a lot of games and challenge for the Memorial Cup. It's my goal to win a Memorial Cup and each year that has to be the goal no matter what the situation is.

6. If you could play for any NHL team who would it be?

If I could play for any NHL team I'd want to play for either the L.A Kings or the San Jose Sharks. They're both great hockey clubs with fantastic fan bases. I'd also love to live on the beach.

7. Who is currently your best friend in the hockey world?

It would be hard to pick a best friend, every team I've played with I've been really close to a bunch of guys. But I've always been really close with my brother. We trained together this summer and we push each other to get better each day.

8. What is the major goal for your hockey career?

My goal is to play in the NHL. It's why I wake up every day to train and eat properly. I've dedicated my whole life to hockey and I will not give up.

9. Whose had a major influence on your hockey career?

This summer I went back home to train with Gary Roberts. During my time at Roberts camp I learned a ton about proper nutrition and training. He trains some of the best players: Steven Stamkos, James Neal, Nazem Kadri, Jeff Skinner, the list goes on. Being in a environment like that you gain a lot of knowledge and the tools to give you every advantage to succeed.

Final Words:

I want to play in the NHL and one day I will be there. Whatever it takes I'm willing to do.

Adam is certainly living up to his role of being a "pest" in 49 games with the Olympiques he racked up 139 penalty minutes. But he can also put the puck in the net when he needs to, scoring 15 goals and adding 18 assists for a solid 33 points.

I'd like to thank Adam for the interview and wish him the best with his career. One day I'm sure we'll be seeing him in the NHL. Best of luck Adam!