Jason Jaffray, Captain of the American Hockey League’s St. John’s Ice Caps is currently in his 13^th season playing professional hockey.  After a successful Junior career in the Western Hockey League, Jaffray first broke into the pro ranks in the ECHL before transitioning to the AHL.  He made his NHL debut on December 12, 2007 with the Vancouver Canucks, and has also played in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets.  Jaffray has been a long-time PHPA Player Representative and in 2013, was elected to the PHPA Executive Committee by his fellow Player Representatives.

We asked Jason 10 questions…

1. Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?

Mark Messier.  I grew up in Alberta and it was either the Flames or the Oilers.  The Oilers were extremely good back then and I loved Messier’s leadership and style of play.

2. Do you have any hobbies, other talents, or interests outside of hockey?

I am very active in a lot of other sports outside of hockey but golf and baseball are my favorites.  My two children are active in these two sports which makes it really easy for me to play them during the summer.

3. How did you react when you found out you were being called up by the Vancouver Canucks to play your first NHL game?

My first reaction was to call my mom and dad.  It’s amazing how much time and money that my parents have put into driving, flying and supporting my career over the years.  Being able to share that moment with them and hearing the excitement in their voices is something I will remember for the rest of my life. 

4. Do you have any game-day rituals or superstitions?

I don’t think I do anything out of the ordinary.  I do need my Tim Horton’s coffee on the way to the rink and I do have a weird ritual with Flexall.  I coat my legs with Flexall before every game.  I love the cooling sensation and it helps my legs feel young.  Very important for me these days. 

5. What are some of the things you like to do before and after games?

I love to play soccer before games.  I find it is a great warm-up for my legs and it’s usually very entertaining with a large group of guys.  After games I usually get a leg massage to help flush any lactic acid and then I will jump in the ice tub for 10 minutes.

6. What are your favorite TV shows?

I really enjoyed Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and Homeland.  I’m currently heavy into watching Sparticus.

7. As a member of the PHPA Executive Committee, what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

My role as a PHPA rep is to keep my team informed of all the benefits that the PHPA provides.  As a member of the Executive Committee I feel like my job is to help pave the path for the future generation of hockey players.  We continue to help tweak or fix any problems that players around the league are encoutering. 

8. If you weren’t a hockey player, what do you think you would be doing career wise instead?

A lot of my friends and family are involved in the oil and gas business in Alberta so there is a possibility that I may have been involved with one of them.  I have also always been interested in teaching and coaching.  It would probably be something involved with teaching or helping children.

9. What has been the best part about playing in St. John’s?

The best part has to be the fan base and support we have in the city.  I can’t think of many cities in the AHL that can sell out the rink on every day of the week like we can.  We currently hold the second longest sellout streak at 120 straight games.  It’s a top notch organization that takes pride in taking care of its players.  You don’t hear too many people that have played in this organization and not enjoyed their time here. 

10. Who has been the most fun teammate you have ever played with throughout your career (and why)?

This is an extremely tough question for me as I have played with a lot of entertaining and fun teammates.  Some of my favorites include Nolan Baumgartner, Max Fortunus, Drew MacIntyre,  John Albert, Jimmy Roy, and Jason King.  I think my favorite though has to be Mike Keane.  Pretty sure he was a 40-year old man trapped in a 20 year old’s body.  He was always pulling pranks on everyone in the room and I learned a lot of my tricks and gags from him.  He also taught me how to be a professional and a captain.  I am almost certain I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the small things I learned from him over the years.

Follow Jason Jaffray on twitter at @Jaffs15