Toronto Marlies forward Eric Faille had a successful Junior and College hockey career before turning pro in 2014.  The 27-year-old right-winger has never had trouble scoring, averaging almost a point-per-game pace throughout his combined QMJHL, AUS, and ECHL career.  Faille has struggled to find a groove in the AHL, but knows what it is going to take to become a regular with the Marlies.  Find out more as Eric Faille answers our 10 questions.

1. Congratulations on your recent promotion to the American Hockey League. What is it like suddenly having to mesh with new teammates in a new league?

I enjoy meshing with new teammates. A lot are back from last year so I knew quite a few of them.  They are honestly great teammates which made the transition from one league to another a lot easier.

2. Do you try to model your play after any player you grew up watching?

Honestly growing up I would watch a lot of hockey but didn’t really have a player that I would model my play after.  I guess I just want to be the best version of Eric Faille that I can be.

3. What was your area of study at the University of Moncton?

I majored in Accounting.

4. Was going to University always an important step for you in terms of development as a player and a person?

At the start I did not think that university was important until I got cut from Reading when I was 21.  I could have tried out for another ECHL team but at that time the University of Moncton had interest in me, and with a little push from my parents I decided to go that route which was probably the best decision I could have made.  I met great people, got a degree, played high level hockey, won the FISU games over in Italy and made memories to last a life time.

5. You averaged over a point per game throughout your time with Moncton and with the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL, what do you think it will take to get over that hump to become a regular AHL’er, and maybe one day an NHL player?

Do the simple things right, all the time

6. What does it mean to be part of an organization as historic as the Toronto Maple Leafs?

It is great, you can see and feel the culture change already. I always dreamed of playing in the NHL so to be part of an original 6 team is quite special.  They will have a bright future ahead of them.

7. What is the best advice you have received from a coach or mentor?

Be the best version of Eric Faille that you could be

8. What are your goals going forward this season, and in your career?

To be a good teammate and help the team win games. In professional hockey, all that matters is winning games.

9. What is it like playing professional hockey in sunny Orlando, Florida after growing up in Quebec?

It is different, I was always used to a lot of snow during the winters and playing hockey outside at the rink or at the park.  In Orlando, I’m laying in the sun in a bathing suit in the middle of the winter.  Quite the change of scenery but I don’t mind it.

10. What is the accomplishment you are most proud of from your career so far?

I would have to say my first ever call up and first AHL goal were pretty special moments.

11. What was the most exciting/intense moment of hockey you have ever been part of?

Winning the FISU gold medal after beating Russia 2-1 in the semis and “black acing” with the Marlies last year.  All the hype surrounding that team was pretty cool to be apart of.

12. What types of things do you enjoy doing in your downtime/off-season?  Any hobbies or hidden talents?

In my downtime I enjoy watching TV shows.  I have a couple my girlfriend and I are really into. And during the off-season I try to get better at Golf but still haven’t broken 80 yet.  As for a hidden talent, I mow my lawn diagonally.