Interview #1- Scott Pooley

Scott Pooley is a 25 year old hockey player for the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL. He has also played within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, for the Marlies in the AHL. He played college hockey at Holy Cross. He recently helped Newfoundland win the Kelly Cup!

What was it like to win the Kelly Cup with the Newfoundland Growlers?
Winning in Newfoundland was one of the best experiences of my life. To be able to be on a team that brought the first professional hockey championship to the city and province is indescribable. I feel so fortunate to experience it with my teammates and coaches. For a lot of us, it was our first pro championship. A guy like Adam Pardy getting his first in the last season of his extraordinary career. There are so many special things that went into this season and it’s one I’ll remember forever. 


Describe you time with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, what did it teach you?
My time in Toronto was awesome. To be around such talented players and coaches, it’s a top notch organization from the top down. Playing at the American League level forces everyone to be at their best. One little mistake can change the course of a game. So you always have to be on your toes and ready to make the right play. 

Most memorable moment in your college career?
My most memorable college moment is hard to describe. There were so many highs, both as a team and personally, it’s difficult to select just one. Holy Cross is a special Place and the memories I made over my four years are things that’ll stick with me forever. The relationships that I made would definitely be the best if I had to pick one tho. The guys I graduated with became my brothers the very first day. And they will be forever.


Common misconception about being a pro?
A common misconception about being pro is that we are much more than that. Every person is individually and has interest. There’s a lot of free time, and each person fills that time with different things. Reading, music, video games, significant others, etc.

Best player you’ve ever faced?
The best player I ever faced is also difficult. I played against guys like Kyle Connor, Nick Schmaltz, Anders Bjork, Brock Boeser, and Dylan Larkin in juniors (just to name a few). There are elite players at every level. And I really enjoy going up against them because it forces you to be your best.

Best player you’ve ever played with?
The best player I’ve ever played with, there are a lot. Cooper Marody had an unreal season with Bakersfield/Edmonton. Mason Jobst had an All American career at OSU and signed a deal with the Islanders. Christian Wolanin with Ottawa. CJ Smith with buffalo. I’ve been very fortunate to play with some very talented people.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
I think being able to attend the 1980 game vs. the Soviets would be incredible. That game is hands down the most earth shattering game in American and Olympic hockey history. To be able to experience it first hand, I couldn’t imagine. 


Favorite player growing up?
My favorite player growing up would probably be Joe Sakic . The way he played the game was fun to watch. I even used his curve growing up. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve would be people being late to something scheduled. 

Favorite movie?
My favorite movie would probably be Mighty Ducks 

Go to snack?
Go to snack is dried mangoes.

Who would play you in a documentary about you?
I’m not sure if their will ever be a documentary about me, so I’ve never thought about it. Might have to get back to you on it. 

Any hobbies outside of hockey?
I really enjoy golf and photography.

What was your youth hockey like?
My youth hockey was a little all over the place. I moved when I was 11 so had to leave and start with a new team. I played for the south shore kings and then for the Irish rovers, a AA team. My last two years of midgets I played for the Chicago Mission. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your playing career?
My dad has definitely been the biggest influence. He coaches now, and played before that. He has taught me a lot of what I’ve known. He hands down has had the biggest impact on my hockey career.

Best advice you would give to kids working to become pro?
My advice would be to keep working. And that’s a massive cliche, but it’s true. There’s no set path to achieve your dreams. And I feel that I’m a testament to that. 

Any last words for the readers?
You need to keep working and more importantly believing that you can make it.
Interview by Chris Dailey

Written by Chris and Mikey Dailey

We want to thank Scott for his incredible kindness during the interview. Amazing on the ice, and a class person off of it. Best of luck to Scott in his future, he will do great where ever he lands up!

Photo via https://www.thetelegram.com/sports/newfoundland-growlers-seek-one-point-get-three-players-296046/