Interview #5- Brett Perlini

Brett Perlini is an English professional hockey player for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Brett has also played for many teams in the ECHL such as Bakersfield Condors, Cleveland Monsters, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Toledo Walleye, Indy Fuel, Fort Wayne Komets, Rapid City Rush, and Wichita Thunder. Perlini played for Michigan State University in the NCAA D1, and was drafted with the 192nd overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Perlini is a great skater with tons of skill, and has recently represented Great Britain at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.

The Brett Perlini Interview

1. What was your career like in England?
   

My career in England has been good so far. I grew up playing minor hockey in Guildford, just south of London, so I was familiar with the country. When I came back to play pro, however, I didn’t know what to expect. The level of hockey definitely surprised me and we were competing with some of the best teams in Europe right away. I think the league in the UK is definitely one of the most underrated leagues in Europe.

2. How do you feel about representing Great Britain in the IIHF world championship?
It was awesome to represent Great Britain at the world championships. My first year with the team playing in Budapest we were the lowest ranked seed and ended up winning the gold medal and getting promoted to pool A against all odds. So to come in this past year and keep our place in the top group (something no one has done for fourteen years) was incredible.

3. What drives you to get better everyday?
I’m very passionate about improving in every aspect of my game and my life. It’s a desire and obsession to be the best at what I do that really gets me going.

4. Have you faced any challenges to get to where you are now, if so how did you persevere?
I don’t think you can get to a high level in sport without going through a few obstacles. My sophomore year at Michigan State I wasn’t playing a lot to start the year. Sure I was upset, but I used it as motivation. I worked hard everyday in practice, did all the little things, and kept a positive mindset. When I finally got a chance to play I scored 6 points in 2 games and won the MVP of the Great Lakes Invitational tournament. I would go on to score consistently for the rest of the season, and that summer I got drafted to the NHL.

“I don’t think you can get to a high level in sport without going through a few obstacles.”

5. Best player you’ve ever faced?
I played against a lot of good players. Stamkos was a great player in my age group. But I would say most recently it’s Patrick Kane.

6. Who’s your biggest role model and why?
I would have to say my dad. He’s the reason I got into hockey and wore number 11. He’s always set a great example for both me and my brother to follow.

7. Describe yourself in three words.
Smart. Speedy. Smooth.

8. If you had to make a 3v3 team with yourself and two other players, who would be on your team?
Me, my dad, and my brother! 

9. CCM or Bauer
BAUER.

10. What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Peanut butter.

11. Coolest experience in your playing career so far?
It’s a tie between playing in the world championships and playing an outdoor game vs the University of Michigan in front of 113,000 people.

12. Playing in the IIHF do you believe there is a specific skill that needs to be perfected to play on that level?
You have to be a good skater and be able to play at a high pace

13. Any advice for kids trying to go pro?
Work on your skating as much as possible and believe you can do it.

14. What are your main goals for the future?
Play at the highest level possible for as long as I can and come out of hockey with a masters degree.

15. Any last words for the readers?
Be a positive person who is fun to be around, and you’ll find success in all your endeavors!



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Interview by Michael Dailey

Big ups to Brett for the amazing interview! Truly a great player on the ice, and even a better person off of it!

photo via https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/other-sport/brett-perlini-signs-extended-contract-1616804