Thursday, February 8, 2001

Jean-Francois Labbe: Congrats, What made you want to become a goaltender?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : I always wanted to become a goaltender because my father was a goaltender. I watched him growing up and I think it's a very interesting position. My father played Junior/Major in Quebec and then for fun later in life.

Dave: What caused the difference between the beginning of the season where you struggled to win a game and now where it seems to be comming every night?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : I think the difference is the team is playing very well in front of me and that makes a big difference. We've got some new players from New Jersey. They are great defensemen that came later in the season. When everyone is committed to defense play my job is easier.

Mike: Are you superstitious? Do you have any any pre - game rituals?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Not really. I have my routine every game day. I like to eat the same thing. Leave at the same time for the game. It's definitely a routine - but it's not very serious.

Billy-Joe: Hey, Which player did you look up to when you were growing up?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Patrick Roy - The Canadiens were my favourite when I was growing up. He's still the player I watch in the NHL. I try to see if anything he does fits into my game. He's a great player and I like the way he plays.

MannY Ramirez/Pedro Martinez: Hi, I was wondering what your goals are this season?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : I would say my goals would be to make the playoffs. Play well in the playoffs and maybe win a championship. But, right now you can only concentrate on getting to the playoffs.

Steinbrenner: If you could give some advice to kids who play sports, what would you tell them?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : I would say to have fun. It is the most important thing to do when you're young. You shouldn't get caught up in trying to make it into the NHL. You should just play because you love the game and want to play.

Howard E: Hello, Did you enjoy watching the NHL all-star game last week and also who is your favorite NHL player?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Yeah I watched a little bit of it. It was interesting. There were a lot of great shots. It's really a tough game for the goalies. It's great for the players to play wide open hockey. Most of all it's great for the fans. It's nice to see that they don't take the game too seriously.

Wesley: How did it feel to be New Jersey's 1st choice in the 97 NHL entry draft?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : It was exciting - Probably one of the best times of my life. I was with my parents and my fiance. It was a great feeling just to hear your name. I loved being drafted to a great time. I think of that day often and the great way I felt.

pirate fan mike: Congrats Jean-Francois on winning the player of the week.I'm a pirate fan sorry.My 2 questions are What is the gameplay type from Juniors to AHL to the NHL, like what are the differences you notice? Last but not least what do you do in the off-season? GOOD LUCK!!!

Jean-Francois Damphousse : The play is alot faster in the NHL. It's a different level you need to adjust to - everything is faster and things really step up in the NHL.

John: Do you think the devils have a good chance of winning the cup this year again?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Yeah - I think they have a very good chance - they're playing well. And they have the experience of last years playoffs - which gives them experience over other teams.

John: Congratulations Jean, Do you enjoy playing in Albany?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Yes it's a nice place to play hockey. We have a great rink - and outside of hockey there's lots to do. And - I think the others on the team feel the same way.

Michael: What age were you when you first started to play hockey?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : I was probably five-years-old. Like I mentioned before - I have always beena goalie. Most goalies have experience as forwards. I only wanted to be a goalie for as long as I can remember.

MCQUADE FAN: Congrats!!!! Who taught you how to play hockey?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Mostly my dad when I was young. When I was playing Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget - I had different coaches. And then I spent time at some hockey schools. My Dad was the first one to teach me. He still gives me advice - he now talks more about the mental aspects of the game.

DAVID CONE: Hey there, Have you ever gotten into a fight during your hockey career?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Actually it happened twice in juniors. There was a brawl - but the other goalie and I just stood back and watched. I'm not really a big guy and I'm not really a fighter.

Karmanos fan : I like your goalie mask! how'd ya get the idea to make it like you did? Its great!

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Just watching the masks in the NHL - I watched the colours and designs and they inspired me. I had someone else do the the actual designing and I think they did a pretty good job.

Moderator: Thank to Jean-Francois for joining us That's all the time we have now for questions. Do you have anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Jean-Francois Damphousse : Thank you to all the fans for their questions. And a special thanks to the fans in Albany for their support through the both the bad time and the good times.