 Forward Patrick Lee is featured in this edition of “Breaking the Ice with…” The feature showcases different Whalers so we can get to know them.
Selected by the Erie Otters in the 6th round (109th overall) in the 2004 OHL Entry Draft, Lee played two seasons for the Otters before being claimed off waivers by Plymouth on October 5th this season. He tallied his first points as a Whaler when he scored 2 goals, including his first career game-winner, vs. Niagara on October 27. The Sharon, Ontario, native, took a few minutes after practice to help us break the ice and chat about his different living situations with the Whalers, all of his different nicknames, and why he picked #19.
» On the best advice he has been given…
“My dad always told me to never give up and keep going no matter what happens.”
» On how he started playing hockey…
“I was four years old and my parents got me into it. I took skating lessons first and after that I got into hockey.”
» On his youth hockey highlight…
“Winning the OHL Cup with York Simcoe Express in minor midget and also the All Ontario’s with them as well.” 
» On what other championships he has won…
“Just other All Ontario’s with my team York Simcoe Express, but nothing in the OHL yet.”
» On his most embarrassing hockey moment…
“When I was younger, I went out with my skate guards on and I was able to stand back up on the ice.”
» On who has influenced him in hockey…
“My parents. They have always been there for me throughout the years, so I’d say them. They have been really supportive.”
» On if he has played with any of the guys before…
“Nope, I’ve played against them the past 2 years, but that’s it.”
» On his most memorable game…
“My first OHL game when I was in Erie. It was 2 and a half years ago vs. Sudbury.”
 » On who he tries to model his game after…
“Ryan Smyth. He’s a grinder and works hard, so I’d say him.”
» On what he should bring to the team…
“Hard work, pretty good defensively, try to help make other players better.”
» On the toughest player he has played against…
“I’d say Rob Schremp. During my rookie year in Erie, I played against him when he played for London. He was really good.”
» On finding out he was coming to the Whalers…
“I was at home for about a week and the GM from Erie called and told me what happened – that Plymouth had picked me up. Then Steffer (Joe Stefan) called me right after that and we talked for a bit and I came here two days later.”
» On the opportunity in Plymouth…
“It was definitely a great opportunity for me. I didn’t really like it in Erie. I wasn’t playing as much. They didn’t have a very good team; they’ve had bad teams for the past three years, so it was nice to come here. It feels good to come to a winning team. It’s a lot more fun, the guys are good, and the coaching’s great, so I think it’s a good opportunity here. I like it a lot.”
» On adjusting to a new team…
“It’s not too bad. It’s a little weird at first walking into the room the first day not knowing anybody. After awhile though, you get used to the guys and you get to know them, so it’s ok.”
» On his billet situation with the Whalers…
“At first I lived with OC (Sean O’Connor), which was good because I knew him from Erie, so he helped me out a lot when I first got here. We lived with his family so it was kind of different, but I liked it there. When he was traded, I moved in to a billet house near the rink. My billet family, the Bush's, are awesome. I like living there a lot. At first I lived there by myself, which was ok, but I would much rather have a roommate. Then Jordon (O'Neill) moved in and we get along really well. I like living with him. It’s a lot more fun to have another guy in the house so you have something to do and aren’t always by yourself.”
» On if he has any superstitions…
“Just doing certain stuff before a game like taping sticks and other stuff.”
 » On if he has any nicknames…
“Back in Erie I had Leezy, Leroy, and Ghetty Lee. Here it’s Patty and Lee-er.”
» On his typical day…
“Wake up at like 9:30, go to 10am workout, stay there for about 45 minutes to an hour, then I usually come home and eat something, I might have a nap, or sometimes I’ll go out with the guys to one of their houses or go out to eat with them, then come back to the rink for practice, and then usually I’ll go home and if my roommate, O’Neill, is there, we’ll do something or go out with some of the guys like see a movie or go out to eat or something.”
» On his pre-game routine…
“Usually wake up at 10, 10:30, sit around the house, eat, watch TV, maybe go out and do something, then come to the rink at 5, and get ready for the game.”
» On if there is anything behind his jersey number 19…
“Not really. I came here and I used to be #11, that’s my favorite number, but (RJ) Mahalak had that. I took 19 I guess because I like Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman.”
» On what he'd be doing if he didn't play hockey…
“I’d be going to school somewhere.”
» On his dream goal…
“It would be in the Stanley Cup, Game 7; I’d go down on a breakaway and go cheese on Patrick Roy.”
» On the craziest thing that has happened on the road…
“Just some of the pranks that guys do in the hotels on other guys. It’s all in good fun though.”
 » On what reality TV show he'd be on…
“I’d be on the Real World.”
» On his funniest teammate…
“They are all pretty funny in their own way.”
» On what one thing he could not live without…
“Family and friends.”
» On his dream vacation…
“I’d go somewhere hot and sunny like Barbados or the Bahamas.”
» On the person he'd most like to meet…
“Muhammad Ali just because he was so good at what he did.”
» On if he'd change any rules in hockey…
“No offsides.”
» On what other players he would want on the ice with him…
“Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman up front, Bobby Orr and Nick Lidstrom on defense, and Patrick Roy in goal.”
-Natalie Shaver, January 17th, 2008-
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