Q&A with Dane Byers

 On the NHL trade deadline day, one year ago, The Rampage made a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets to bring power forward Alex Picard to the organization for Chad Kolarik. It didn't take long for Picard to endear himself to Rampage fans and become a fan favorite.

  Fast forward one year to March 1st 2011. Phoenix again made a deal with Columbus to solidify their blue line by acquiring Rostislav Kesla. Also in the deal, the Coyotes acquired power forward Dane Byers. Only time will tell if Byers can become a fan favorite like Picard, but I'd say the chances are pretty good.

  Site contributor Jessica Redfield sat down with Dane for a Q&A yesterday.

 

By Jessica Redfield

Dane Byers is putting on a different uniform for the third time this season. After being traded from the Columbus Blue Jacket organization, I spoke with the newly acquired forward about greasy goals, packing up his life in two bags, and joining a Texas team.

How did you find out you were traded?

I was just at my apartment about to head in for a skate with my old team. I got the call from my agent saying I was traded. I got the call from Columbus saying I was traded and eventually got a call from Don Maloney from Phoenix. I can't remember [who I called first]. It's kind of a whirlwind when it happens. I think it was my dad. Called him and told him I'm moving to Texas, so he was excited. I got traded once earlier in the year too, so I wasn’t really expecting this trade but I think it will work for the best.

What was the process of moving to Texas like?

I had to catch a plane that night at 6 o'clock, put my life in 2 bags and head out, so all my stuff is still back in Springfield. I saw a couple of guys [on my team], but [received a lot of] text messages and calls wishing me good luck and everything like that.

What can fans expect from you?

My game is a pretty simple game- getting the puck in deep, forechecking and things like that and standing up for my teammates if that needs be. Probably not going to go in and score a goal, but I'll probably get the greasy goals around the net and just play simple.

How did your first game as a Rampage go?

It was good. We got the win. It was good to get my feet wet. You know, obviously there's gonna be some missed assignments and things like that while I get used to the new system. I thought we had some chances in our line offensively and didn’t give a whole lot up in our end. It was nice to get the win.

What are the differences between playing in the east and playing in the west?

It's a little different from what I've played in the East Coast. The division out there is a little more open and it seems to be a tighter game out here, which I think will suit my game. It will take a little bit to get used to the system.

Your next game is against rivals Texas Stars, what are your thoughts on the game?  

I'm excited to be a part of it. Those are the games I love to play in. I'm sure it will be a good challenge.

What are your goals for this season?

For here on in, just fitting in the best I can. Obviously not giving up anything defensively and hopefully I can chip in offensively. But that’s just gonna happen by playing the game simple, getting pucks in, getting pucks out, crashing the net and playing hard like I usually do.

The ultimate goal is winning a Stanley Cup. Say you win the Cup and it's your 24 hours of alone time with it. What do you do with it?

Probably take it back to Christopher Lake in Saskatchewan. I live on the lake out there and I'd enjoy it with family and friends.

How do you like Texas so far?

So far, so good. Sun is out, a lot different from Springfield - we had 2 feet of snow there when I left. It's been a nice change to go outside and sit on the patio for lunch and have the sun beat down on you.

This season Dane Byers played in 16 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack (recently renamed the Connecticut Whale) before being traded in November and playing in 48 games for the Springfield Falcons. If Byers plays every game for the rest of the season with the Rampage, he will have played in 85 games in an 80 game season.