G-Cagg’s Interview Series: Rangers’ Prospect Matt Zaba

For any people that follow the American Hockey League, they will know that Matt Zaba is clearly one of the up and coming young netminders in the league. After beginning the last season with their ECHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, Zaba was promoted to Hartford where he played in 41, going 25-10 with a goals against average of 2.33. Just a few days ago, Matt was kind enough to let me interview him. Below is our conversation.

GC: When you were growing up, who was your favorite hockey player? What was your favorite team?

MZ: My favorite player was Mark Messier and my favorite team was the Edmonton Oilers.

GC: What was it like playing hockey for Colorado College?

MZ: Playing at Colorado College was the best four year experience of my life. Great people, great fans, and a great school.

GC: What do you think is the major difference between college hockey and AHL hockey?

MZ: The passing is the biggest difference; people are able to make more plays with the puck.

GC: Where do you envision yourself playing next season? And what do you feel you personally have to do in order to reach the next level?

MZ: My goal is to make the NHL and in order to get there I just need to keep improving my overall game. Also to get faster and to get stronger.

GC: What would you say are the most important skills involved in playing goalie?

MZ: The most important skills are being sharp mentally and being a good skater.

GC: Finally, if you weren’t a professional hockey player, what occupation would you like to have?

MZ: Something in the financial world.

Previous Articles in G-Cagg’s Interview Series:

Rangers’ Prospect Antoine Lafleur

Greg Caggiano, a high school senior,  is the correspondent for the New York Rangers here on THW. He hosts an online hockey radio alongside Devils’ writer Brett Bodner called Rinkside. If you have any questions or comments for him, please contact him at nyr1199@comcast.net.

Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
G-Cagg’s Interview Series: Rangers’ Prospect Antoine Lafleur
G-Cagg’s Eastern Conference Playoff Preview (Round One)
Traverse City is Wrapping Up.
#3 Matt Duchene – The Hockey Spy’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft Rankings
Interview with Caps Prospect Brett Flemming
Capitals Fans Chant “Rangers Suck” as New York Takes 2-0 Series Lead

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