We recently contacted nickneely to discuss SimLeague Hockey strategy, "bench-clearing" brawls, Cam Neely, roller hockey, Leonidas and the Boston Bruins
WIS
Who is nickneely?
nickneely
My name is Nick Diamantopoulos, from Chicago, IL.
WIS
How did you learn about WhatIfSports.com and our SimLeagues?
nickneely
I saw an ad on nhl.com and was immediately interested in joining.
WIS
Which games have you played?
nickneely
I only play hockey.
WIS
Besides simulation sports websites, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
nickneely
Fishing, hunting, and playing roller and ice hockey, and going to the movies with my wife.
WIS
Which five people, past or present, sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
nickneely
Jesus, Bobby Orr, Cam Neely, Leonidas (of Sparta), and Alexander The Great.
WIS
Which are some of your favorite hockey teams of all-time?
nickneely
The Boston Bruins are always going to be number one in my heart, and Chicago Blackhawks.
WIS
What players did you admire most growing up?
nickneely
Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Cam Neely.
WIS
Did you play hockey (or other sports) growing up?
nickneely
Yes, I was an avid roller and ice hockey player for 30 years. I also played football, soccer and baseball. But, hockey is my favorite.
WIS
Build your all-time dream hockey team:
nickneely
My dream team would be: Goalie: Dominik Hasek, Defense: Bobby Orr, Scott Stevens, Center: Wayne Gretzky, Right Wing: Cam Neely, Left Wing: Lucky Luc
WIS
If you had the power to replace Gary Bettman as commissioner, what is the first thing you would try to change?
nickneely
I Would have less expansion teams, and I'd bring back "bench-clearing brawls."
WIS
What is your favorite sports moment?
nickneely
When the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup with Bobby Orr and when Boston eliminated the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs.
WIS
What is your favorite WIS moment?
nickneely
The opportunity to meet some really nice people on the website.
WIS
Which coaches, past or present, do you draw on for inspiration?
nickneely
Don Cherry, Scottie Bowman.
WIS
What is the most important thing to keep in mind while drafting?
nickneely
Good all around defense and at least two strong goal-scoring lines.
WIS
Are there any players in specific that you like to put on your team?
nickneely
Al Secord, Cam Neely, Cy Denney, Wayne Gretzky, Scott Stevens, Dominik Hasek.
WIS
Are there any players that you feel consistently under or overachieve?
nickneely
I feel that Al Secord is an overachiever and I feel that Johnny Bucyk is an under-achiever.
WIS
How do you go about setting your lines?
nickneely
Depends on what cap league I am in, but generally I simply have to consider who I am playing against.
WIS
Do you make transactions during the season? Why or why not?
nickneely
Sometimes, but I generally pick my teams knowing I would not want to make any further trades or changes.
WIS
Who are the users you respect and who challenge you the most?
nickneely
The most challenging users are: "Jackyl," "Nickhead," "16Vladimir" and "The Falcon." I respect everyone I play with.
WIS
What is your favorite aspect of SimLeague hockey?
nickneely
I enjoy the competition and friendship with all the users. It's great to know that there are so many other hockey-enthuasiasts like me out there.
WIS
If you could change anything about SimLeague hockey and/or the site, what would you change?
nickneely
I would like to see expensive players perform better than the average player.
WIS
If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, how much would you cost?
nickneely
I would play hockey, my position would be Right Wing, and I would cost $8 million dollars (although my wife says I am worth more).
WIS
Thanks for taking the time out to meet with us.