Post by Admin on May 20, 2013 18:02:47 GMT
Q&A's with Enforcer Alex Penner
Alex Penner's has been one of the top fighters, playing in both the ECHL/CHL leagues for the past couple of season's. He has fought many good heavyweight fighters during his career like Jon "Nasty" Mirasty, Mike Sgroi, Sean McMorrow, Mike Hoffman, Matt Kassian, Justin Johnson, Riley Emmerson. ect.
While with the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL league in 2010/11, Penner was voted as the top fighter over here. Having fought nearly all the other top enforcers we had that season. Penner was also a major player in the Bench clearing brawl between the Panthers and Coventry Blaze that season.
Penner was a fan favorite among fight fans in the EIHL and he was also a fan favorite in Colorado while playing with the Eagles for a number of season's. Penner currently suspended from the CHL league took time out to answer a few question's we at EIHLhockeyfights put to him.
Thank you Alex for taking the time out to do this for us. You have been one of the toughest guys in the ECHL / CHL and our own league over the last few season's & it's great to get a chance to do this Q&A with you.
Q1. Alex in a previous interview you took part in while you were with the Colorado Eagles, you said the players you looked up to as a kid watching the NHL was Bob Probert and Tony Twist, two of the all-time great enforcers. Was it always your wish to follow the role of being the enforcer when you started playing hockey, or did you just grow into the role of your team mates protector.?
A.P..... Q1. I always found it fascinating watching the enforcers growing up and I knew that's what I wanted to do. I love to fight and being able to protect my teams is a bonus. I feel every team I join I add another 20 people to my family. I hope the best for everyone I meet and play with.
Q2. Alex you have played in the OHL as a Junior for a short while, playing against and fighting guys who have gone on to be tough-guys in the NHL. Whats your memories of playing in the Juniors.?
A.P..... Q2. It was good playing with all these kids with that were the next generation on NHLers. One thing I remember from juniors that I can share is I fell asleep in a video meeting and got healthy scratched for practice ha only guy to do that I think still today.
Q3. It was when you signed for the Eagles in 09/10 that i first really noticed you as an enforcer as the Colorado Eagles are a team i support from a far. I've always like the combination of toughness & skill that they gel together in their rosters season after season, and the results it produces on the ice. What was it like playing for such a well run organisation in front of packed out crowds, night in night out in Colorado.?
A.P..... Q3. Playing for the Colorado Eagles was amazing. They are in my opinion the best organization in minor hockey and even better then some or most American League teams out there. I've been blessed to play for them. The way they put a great product year after year and make sure the fans are entertained from start to finished is amazing. The fans though are amazing. Other teams my have a lot fans but the feeling you get there is unbelievable. I loved it while I was there and am thankful for all the support.
Q4. You Brother is also an ice hockey player currently playing as a goal tender with the Colorado Eagles. You both played a few seasons together in the CHL and ECHL with the Eagles, and i believe it was him who nicknamed you ''Weapon X''. Was it fun playing on the same team as your older brother.? I noticed he's also pretty handy when on a few occasions he has been involved in fights.
A.P..... Q4. Yes my brother and a player Ryan Tobler gave me the nickname Weapon X. It was awesome to play with my older brother its a little different then playing road hockey with each other but I would do it every year if I could. He is handy when it comes to fighting. He's been there for me while growing up and when we played together I could be there for him but now were older and both know we can handle ourselves we can sit back and relax and enjoy the show.
Q5. Alex you played 8 AHL games for Lake Erie Monsters in 2008 fighting 4 times against some very tough guys. Mike Sgroi, Riley Emmerson, Matt Kassian and Francis Lessard. What was that experience like.?
A.P..... Q5. It was a great experience I was 22 years old and fighting guys that were established American League tough guys and I was holding my own and in some cases coming out on top. It was when I got into mma and started sparring with UFC contenders that I realized what real fighters are all about and was quick to figure out that hockey fighters are the worse professional fighters out there. That's when I took my fighting to the next level. I probably should of been working on my hockey skills ha because that's the difference between a tough guy in the NHL and myself.
Q6. As well as fighting the guys mentioned above you have also fought the likes of Sean McMorrow, Mike Hoffman, Justin Johnson, Jon Mirasty ect. So who in your opinion has been your toughest opponent you have fought so far in your career.?
A.P..... Q6. All those guys are tough guys and it was great to battle them. Off the top of my head I would pick Sean McMorrow. Big lad, hard to pull down.
Q7. Alex you came to the EIHL in 2010. What did you know about our league before you decided to come over.?
A.P..... Q7. Too be honest I knew nothing only things I heard was it was a league that respect there fighters and was told Nottingham was the Colorado Eagles of England....... Wow was that a good sales pitch.
Q8. When the EIHL started in 2010/2011 it was fairly stacked toughness wise for a 10 team league. With guys like Yourself, Sean McMorrow, Justin Sawyer, Mike Hoffman, Jozef Sladok, Gui Lepine, Brad Voth, Matt Suderman, Steve Makway, Jeff Smith, Cedric Bernier, Brad Cruikshank, Scott Langdon, Derek Campbell, Jason Robinson.ect. But as the season went on guys like McMorrow,Bernier,Sawyer,Langdon left the EIHL and you found it harder to get fights.
Was this the main reason for you returning to the CHL and the Eagles, or was it anything else?
A.P..... Q8. Ok this is a good question. I'll tell you and straighten everything out since everyone has their own opinion but no one knows.
Too be honest it was going to happen either me leaving on my own or Panthers releasing me like they did with other good players that year. Only reason I say that is I was not treating the team or league with professionalism because I felt there was no professionalism on the side of the team or league. Far the team I felt like they could have done more for the players and done things differently. The league I couldn't wrap my head around cause they treated hockey like the nations sport of football. Where I came from there is one trophy to play for and that is it. And play-offs are to play at home and away rinks not one spot so one team and city makes all the money in my opinion. The skill of refereeing was below par and that was hard mentally cause referees can change the game good or bad. One thing I will say is that the fans in Nottingham and around the EIHL were amazing and fun to play for. I thank them for their support while I was there and now even though Im not playing there anymore. Far as it was hard to found anyone to fight that was fine with me because allowed me to play more, which didn't happen and that was tough to understand why. All and All I left because I had an opportunity to go back to the Colorado Eagles and rebuild myself as a person and professional since I went backwards instead of forwards while I was playing in England which I have achieved.
Q9. Before yourself and Sean McMorrow left the EIHL you were both involved a couple of top quality fights up in Dundee. Could you tell us a little about them.?
A.P..... Q9. The fight between us were good fights and I have a lot of respect for Sean and like I said before hes a big lad and he's great at what he does. First one I would give a draw and second I would like to say a won, I was trying to pull him to the ground in the second so fans knew I won but he's a big boy and he wasnt done nor was going down without a couple more licks ha.
Q10. Another memorable incident before you left the EIHL was in the infamous bench clearing brawl with the Coventry Blaze on the 4th of December. It seemed to me that the Panthers were targeting the Blaze net-minder quite a bit in that game, this and a final questionable call on Brad Cruishank fueled the fire that started the brawl. You actually left the penalty box to get involved in this one. What is you recognition of this event.?
A.P..... Q10. In my mind whenever I guy goes for your goalie like Brad did all bets are off...... To be honest I really kept my cool and wanted to have some fun. But Lee was smart enough not to let me go and thats what lead us to go again and again. Once I freed myself from my jersey I saw my a chance to join the rest of the fun but as you can see i stepped on my jersey and fell and once I heard the fans laugh from the stands all the wind in my sails just died haha but looking at it again ha it was funny....
Q11. Shortly after leaving the UK you had a fight in the CHL with a guy who will go down as a Minor league legend among fight fans, Jon 'Nasty' Mirasty. It was a decent fight which I thought you got the upper hand in. What was it like fighting Mirasty.?
A.P..... Q11. It was good to fight a guy like that, that has such a good resume and has fought so many while known tough guys. But what people dont know is I snapped a tendon in my hand that season and I was fighting with a busted right hand. I did while and controlled the fight but its always in the back of my head if I was healthy how much better would of have done and how much damage could I have done.
Q12. Justin Sawyer is a guy who you fought in the OHL, EIHL, CHL. The two of you then became team-mates both playing for Rapid City Rush at the start of this season, but again became sparring partners when you join the American Allans.
Whats it like fighting an ex team-mates out on the ice.?
A.P..... Q12. When your on the ice everything is different your both there to do a job and both understand what you have to do. Sawyer and I are friends like most tough guys around the world are. We've fought so many times and have respect for each other that really nothing changes except you may give the big guy a big hug after the game and tell him how much you miss him haha
Q13. Disappointingly you have been suspended for the remainder of this season after a brawl in the CHL. Where do you see yourself playing next season.?
A.P..... Q13. I have a couple of things in the pipeline but as everyone knows the hockey world could take you anywhere so I guess I'll have to leave you guys hanging and see what unfolds.
I thought I'd finish with a few quick fire questions for you to answer Alex.
Q14. Alex you are not that long married to Mrs Joanne Penner. So who wear the trousers in the Penner house hold..?
A.P..... Q14. Obviously I do since she's following me around the world in chase of my dream, but I'll say she does cause everyone knows a happy wife is a happy life.
Q15. Scoring a good goal or winning a tough fight. What the best feeling.?
A.P..... Q15. Well I would say winning a tough fight. Not everyone wants to fight and only the best win, plus I score at will in practice so not like theres anything special about that haha
Q16. What tunes are you playing on your head phones at the minute.?
A.P..... Q16. Right now I got 4 , Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- Thrift Shop
Gary Jules- Mad World
Farewell 2 Fear- Diamonds
Lamb of God- Walk with me in Hell
Q17. Have you any hobbies.?
A.P..... Q17. I golf and do a lot of landscaping and wood working and love doing mma
Shout out to Dan Hardy Support your local OUTLAW
Q18. Who do you rate as the toughest guy playing hockey today.?
A.P..... Q18. Thats hard to say Im not sure........ but I do like Deryk Engelland in the NHL he's a good technical fighter.
But to be honest dont watch enough hockey this season to say who, but I do like Engelland.
Alex Penner's has been one of the top fighters, playing in both the ECHL/CHL leagues for the past couple of season's. He has fought many good heavyweight fighters during his career like Jon "Nasty" Mirasty, Mike Sgroi, Sean McMorrow, Mike Hoffman, Matt Kassian, Justin Johnson, Riley Emmerson. ect.
While with the Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL league in 2010/11, Penner was voted as the top fighter over here. Having fought nearly all the other top enforcers we had that season. Penner was also a major player in the Bench clearing brawl between the Panthers and Coventry Blaze that season.
Penner was a fan favorite among fight fans in the EIHL and he was also a fan favorite in Colorado while playing with the Eagles for a number of season's. Penner currently suspended from the CHL league took time out to answer a few question's we at EIHLhockeyfights put to him.
Thank you Alex for taking the time out to do this for us. You have been one of the toughest guys in the ECHL / CHL and our own league over the last few season's & it's great to get a chance to do this Q&A with you.
Q1. Alex in a previous interview you took part in while you were with the Colorado Eagles, you said the players you looked up to as a kid watching the NHL was Bob Probert and Tony Twist, two of the all-time great enforcers. Was it always your wish to follow the role of being the enforcer when you started playing hockey, or did you just grow into the role of your team mates protector.?
A.P..... Q1. I always found it fascinating watching the enforcers growing up and I knew that's what I wanted to do. I love to fight and being able to protect my teams is a bonus. I feel every team I join I add another 20 people to my family. I hope the best for everyone I meet and play with.
Q2. Alex you have played in the OHL as a Junior for a short while, playing against and fighting guys who have gone on to be tough-guys in the NHL. Whats your memories of playing in the Juniors.?
A.P..... Q2. It was good playing with all these kids with that were the next generation on NHLers. One thing I remember from juniors that I can share is I fell asleep in a video meeting and got healthy scratched for practice ha only guy to do that I think still today.
Q3. It was when you signed for the Eagles in 09/10 that i first really noticed you as an enforcer as the Colorado Eagles are a team i support from a far. I've always like the combination of toughness & skill that they gel together in their rosters season after season, and the results it produces on the ice. What was it like playing for such a well run organisation in front of packed out crowds, night in night out in Colorado.?
A.P..... Q3. Playing for the Colorado Eagles was amazing. They are in my opinion the best organization in minor hockey and even better then some or most American League teams out there. I've been blessed to play for them. The way they put a great product year after year and make sure the fans are entertained from start to finished is amazing. The fans though are amazing. Other teams my have a lot fans but the feeling you get there is unbelievable. I loved it while I was there and am thankful for all the support.
Q4. You Brother is also an ice hockey player currently playing as a goal tender with the Colorado Eagles. You both played a few seasons together in the CHL and ECHL with the Eagles, and i believe it was him who nicknamed you ''Weapon X''. Was it fun playing on the same team as your older brother.? I noticed he's also pretty handy when on a few occasions he has been involved in fights.
A.P..... Q4. Yes my brother and a player Ryan Tobler gave me the nickname Weapon X. It was awesome to play with my older brother its a little different then playing road hockey with each other but I would do it every year if I could. He is handy when it comes to fighting. He's been there for me while growing up and when we played together I could be there for him but now were older and both know we can handle ourselves we can sit back and relax and enjoy the show.
Q5. Alex you played 8 AHL games for Lake Erie Monsters in 2008 fighting 4 times against some very tough guys. Mike Sgroi, Riley Emmerson, Matt Kassian and Francis Lessard. What was that experience like.?
A.P..... Q5. It was a great experience I was 22 years old and fighting guys that were established American League tough guys and I was holding my own and in some cases coming out on top. It was when I got into mma and started sparring with UFC contenders that I realized what real fighters are all about and was quick to figure out that hockey fighters are the worse professional fighters out there. That's when I took my fighting to the next level. I probably should of been working on my hockey skills ha because that's the difference between a tough guy in the NHL and myself.
Q6. As well as fighting the guys mentioned above you have also fought the likes of Sean McMorrow, Mike Hoffman, Justin Johnson, Jon Mirasty ect. So who in your opinion has been your toughest opponent you have fought so far in your career.?
A.P..... Q6. All those guys are tough guys and it was great to battle them. Off the top of my head I would pick Sean McMorrow. Big lad, hard to pull down.
Q7. Alex you came to the EIHL in 2010. What did you know about our league before you decided to come over.?
A.P..... Q7. Too be honest I knew nothing only things I heard was it was a league that respect there fighters and was told Nottingham was the Colorado Eagles of England....... Wow was that a good sales pitch.
Q8. When the EIHL started in 2010/2011 it was fairly stacked toughness wise for a 10 team league. With guys like Yourself, Sean McMorrow, Justin Sawyer, Mike Hoffman, Jozef Sladok, Gui Lepine, Brad Voth, Matt Suderman, Steve Makway, Jeff Smith, Cedric Bernier, Brad Cruikshank, Scott Langdon, Derek Campbell, Jason Robinson.ect. But as the season went on guys like McMorrow,Bernier,Sawyer,Langdon left the EIHL and you found it harder to get fights.
Was this the main reason for you returning to the CHL and the Eagles, or was it anything else?
A.P..... Q8. Ok this is a good question. I'll tell you and straighten everything out since everyone has their own opinion but no one knows.
Too be honest it was going to happen either me leaving on my own or Panthers releasing me like they did with other good players that year. Only reason I say that is I was not treating the team or league with professionalism because I felt there was no professionalism on the side of the team or league. Far the team I felt like they could have done more for the players and done things differently. The league I couldn't wrap my head around cause they treated hockey like the nations sport of football. Where I came from there is one trophy to play for and that is it. And play-offs are to play at home and away rinks not one spot so one team and city makes all the money in my opinion. The skill of refereeing was below par and that was hard mentally cause referees can change the game good or bad. One thing I will say is that the fans in Nottingham and around the EIHL were amazing and fun to play for. I thank them for their support while I was there and now even though Im not playing there anymore. Far as it was hard to found anyone to fight that was fine with me because allowed me to play more, which didn't happen and that was tough to understand why. All and All I left because I had an opportunity to go back to the Colorado Eagles and rebuild myself as a person and professional since I went backwards instead of forwards while I was playing in England which I have achieved.
Q9. Before yourself and Sean McMorrow left the EIHL you were both involved a couple of top quality fights up in Dundee. Could you tell us a little about them.?
A.P..... Q9. The fight between us were good fights and I have a lot of respect for Sean and like I said before hes a big lad and he's great at what he does. First one I would give a draw and second I would like to say a won, I was trying to pull him to the ground in the second so fans knew I won but he's a big boy and he wasnt done nor was going down without a couple more licks ha.
Q10. Another memorable incident before you left the EIHL was in the infamous bench clearing brawl with the Coventry Blaze on the 4th of December. It seemed to me that the Panthers were targeting the Blaze net-minder quite a bit in that game, this and a final questionable call on Brad Cruishank fueled the fire that started the brawl. You actually left the penalty box to get involved in this one. What is you recognition of this event.?
A.P..... Q10. In my mind whenever I guy goes for your goalie like Brad did all bets are off...... To be honest I really kept my cool and wanted to have some fun. But Lee was smart enough not to let me go and thats what lead us to go again and again. Once I freed myself from my jersey I saw my a chance to join the rest of the fun but as you can see i stepped on my jersey and fell and once I heard the fans laugh from the stands all the wind in my sails just died haha but looking at it again ha it was funny....
Q11. Shortly after leaving the UK you had a fight in the CHL with a guy who will go down as a Minor league legend among fight fans, Jon 'Nasty' Mirasty. It was a decent fight which I thought you got the upper hand in. What was it like fighting Mirasty.?
A.P..... Q11. It was good to fight a guy like that, that has such a good resume and has fought so many while known tough guys. But what people dont know is I snapped a tendon in my hand that season and I was fighting with a busted right hand. I did while and controlled the fight but its always in the back of my head if I was healthy how much better would of have done and how much damage could I have done.
Q12. Justin Sawyer is a guy who you fought in the OHL, EIHL, CHL. The two of you then became team-mates both playing for Rapid City Rush at the start of this season, but again became sparring partners when you join the American Allans.
Whats it like fighting an ex team-mates out on the ice.?
A.P..... Q12. When your on the ice everything is different your both there to do a job and both understand what you have to do. Sawyer and I are friends like most tough guys around the world are. We've fought so many times and have respect for each other that really nothing changes except you may give the big guy a big hug after the game and tell him how much you miss him haha
Q13. Disappointingly you have been suspended for the remainder of this season after a brawl in the CHL. Where do you see yourself playing next season.?
A.P..... Q13. I have a couple of things in the pipeline but as everyone knows the hockey world could take you anywhere so I guess I'll have to leave you guys hanging and see what unfolds.
I thought I'd finish with a few quick fire questions for you to answer Alex.
Q14. Alex you are not that long married to Mrs Joanne Penner. So who wear the trousers in the Penner house hold..?
A.P..... Q14. Obviously I do since she's following me around the world in chase of my dream, but I'll say she does cause everyone knows a happy wife is a happy life.
Q15. Scoring a good goal or winning a tough fight. What the best feeling.?
A.P..... Q15. Well I would say winning a tough fight. Not everyone wants to fight and only the best win, plus I score at will in practice so not like theres anything special about that haha
Q16. What tunes are you playing on your head phones at the minute.?
A.P..... Q16. Right now I got 4 , Macklemore & Ryan Lewis- Thrift Shop
Gary Jules- Mad World
Farewell 2 Fear- Diamonds
Lamb of God- Walk with me in Hell
Q17. Have you any hobbies.?
A.P..... Q17. I golf and do a lot of landscaping and wood working and love doing mma
Shout out to Dan Hardy Support your local OUTLAW
Q18. Who do you rate as the toughest guy playing hockey today.?
A.P..... Q18. Thats hard to say Im not sure........ but I do like Deryk Engelland in the NHL he's a good technical fighter.
But to be honest dont watch enough hockey this season to say who, but I do like Engelland.