ESPN

Nate Ewell

  (1:28 PM)

Welcome to another week of Inside College Hockey on The Show. We've got Brett Sterling from Colorado College here ready to answer your questions heading into this weekend's series against No. 1 Minnesota.

Brett Sterling

  (1:29 PM)

Thanks for having me -- I'm ready for your questions.

Seabrook (Alb, NM)

Is SoCal actually a hot bed of hockey talent or are you and Noah Clarke anomalies?

Brett Sterling

  (1:29 PM)

Definitely not a hotbed of hockey at this point, but it's been growing rapidly the last couple of years, and starting to produce some great hockey players.

Nate Ewell

  (1:30 PM)

Brett is from Pasadena -- he and Clarke are part of a mini-wave of SoCal products at CC.

Diehl (Boulder)

Who was/is your hockey role model? What player do you aspire to play like?

Brett Sterling

  (1:31 PM)

I don't think there's one player I want to play like -- it's a mixture of players. I try to take things from players like Theoren Fleury, Dino Ciccarelli, Paul Kariya. Smaller guys, but guys who have been around and had success.

Hill (Tutt, CC)

Do you see being 'undersized' for the NHL an advantage or disadvantage?

Brett Sterling

  (1:32 PM)

Little bit of both. It's an advantage because people are always dicounting you and telling you you can't do it. You get drive to prove them wrong. At the same time it's a disadvantage because you can't teach size, but you can always teach skill. That's something NHL teams look at, so it can be a disadvantage in the end.

Norb (Colorado College)

What's the biggest difference between last year and this year?

Brett Sterling

  (1:34 PM)

Biggest difference would have to be team chemistry. Last year things just didn't go our way and team chemistry wasn't great. This year it seems like it's a little bit more cohesive.

Corrine (Madtown, WI)

Outside of Colorado Springs, who has the most hostile student section?

Brett Sterling

  (1:35 PM)

I haven't been to Wisconsin yet, so I can't say how that is. From what I've seen, I'd have to say North Dakota. Being in the penalty box in North Dakota you get your fair share of trash talk. That's mainly because the students are right on top of you, right next to the penalty box.

Adam (Raleigh, NC)

If NHL never comes back, what are your plans?

Brett Sterling

  (1:37 PM)

I think it would be awesome to go play in Europe for a few years. The hockey's great, great scenery, and you get to travel Europe. You get the best of both worlds if the NHL didn't come back.

Ray (Fairfax)

Brett, who is the ugliest guy you have ever played against?

Brett Sterling

  (1:38 PM)

Oh wow. I don't know if I have an answer to that. Every opposing player, I guess -- they're all ugly in their own way.

John (Columbus, Ohio)

You guys won the inaugural Ohio Hockey Classic title last week, but ended the two games 1-0-1 officially. Was tying Ohio State a disappointment? Did you check out Columbus in case you make it back for the Frozen Four?

Brett Sterling

  (1:39 PM)

Tying Ohio State was disappointing in the sense that we had the lead late in the game and we should have held the lead. But at the same time they are a really good team, and to be able to tie them and win in the shootout was good for us against a tough non-conference team. We didn't check out Columbus any more than the rink, because we need to take it one step at a time and not look to far ahead.

tom (dc)

How do you feel about the stricter enforcement of hooking penalties? my friend Ray loves it, but i like to play rough, if you know what i mean ;-)

Brett Sterling

  (1:42 PM)

I like it. It allows for a more skilled game, and takes away from a lot of the slowing down in the game. I understand defensemen's frustration with the rules, because holding on is a part of the way they like to play. I think it's definitely helped my game, with defensemen not being able to hold us along the boards. It really adds to the offense we're able to create.

Brian (Boston)

How are you preparing for Minnesota?

Brett Sterling

  (1:43 PM)

Getting ready for an offensive attack, because they are great offensively. Just staying on our game. We played them great here in Colorado, and we just have to add on to what we did and improve on the mistakes we made.

Joe - Providence

What is the key to success on your power play that is ranked fifth in the country at 22.6%?

Brett Sterling

  (1:43 PM)

Unselfishness. We've got five guys out there who can score from their spots on the power play. The movement and the skill on the power play definitely helps.

Holmes (Ec Lab, CC)

Why are all CC hockey players economic majors?

Brett Sterling

  (1:45 PM)

It's the business degree here, and most of us want to get into business. A lot of us like the business angle.

Ralph Bertrand (Barnes)

Besides CC, who are the other 3 teams in the Frozen Four?

Brett Sterling

  (1:46 PM)

I can definitely see Minnesota being there. BU is a great team. As much as it pains me to say it, Denver is a great team this year. I can't say for much else, because I haven't seen everyone play, but teams like BC and Michigan are always good. We're just going to have to wait and see at the end of the season.

Andrew (DC)

What are your thoughts about the possibility of playing alongside Ilya Kovalchuk and Dany Heatley?

Brett Sterling

  (1:47 PM)

That would be pretty unbelievable. Just getting a shot to play in the NHL would be a dream come true, and playing with two superstars like that would be beyond my wildest imagination.

David (Jersey)

Does the current NHL situation weigh on your mind at all? You must have some professional aspirations.....

Brett Sterling

  (1:48 PM)

Not at this point. I'm too focused in the college season right now. Who knows what will happen with me and the NHL. I'll just wait until the end of the season and whatever happens, happens. But I'm sure it will come back.

Brett Sterling

  (1:48 PM)

I think college hockey is being watched more this year and fans are starting to see that it's an exciting game. It's definitely boosted college hockey a little bit.

Brett Sterling

  (1:50 PM)

I've got to run, but thanks for all your questions. I appreciate it.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:51 PM)

Thanks, Brett. We'll stick around here for a few more minutes and talk college pucks.

David (Jersey)

Thanks for the chat Brett.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:53 PM)

It's worth noting that Brett and his linemate, Marty Sertich, are the top two scorers in the country. This weekend's series against Minnesota should be a real good one.

Brian (Boston)

Does BC have the power this year to win the National Championship?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:53 PM)

I think BC is in great position to make a run at the national title. They've got good, balanced offense up front, led by Patrick Eaves. Perhaps most important, a terrific defensive corps.

Jason (Charlotte)

For a BU alum hundreds of miles from Commonwealth Avenue, can you tell me what Agganis Arena is like?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:54 PM)

BU didn't miss a beat with its new rink, Jason. Beautiful place, maybe second only to Ralph Engelstad Arena at North Dakota in all of college hockey. It's worth the trip.

Rich (Dallas, TX)

Nate - what effect has the NHL lockout had on NCAA Hockey?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:55 PM)

As Brett said, I think the interest level has grown in college hockey. But the best promotional tool hockey can have is the professional game. For long-term health of the sport, the NHL needs to come back.

Greg (Boston)

Why is UMass Amherst so good at home and just pathetic on the road? It's not like they draw packed houses that would swing the momentum

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:56 PM)

Good question, Greg. Part of it is scheduling and where they've played some of these teams that are better than them. Another part is that UMass is a fairly average team this year -- they don't have a game-breaker like Thomas Pock or Greg Mauldin. Sometimes home-ice can mean a lot to a team like that.

Shawn (Sioux Falls)

Who is the front runner for the Hobey Baker award?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:57 PM)

Great question, Shawn. Brett is in the mix. So is his teammate, Marty Sertich. Minnesota's Ryan Potulny has to be up there, too.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:57 PM)

There's a lot of hockey to be played. Meanwhile, you can nominate your picks for the Hobey on hobeybaker.com.

Chris (Minneapolis)

Do you see the Golden Gophers making a title run with such young talent? Or does the lack of veterans outweigh it?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:58 PM)

Minnesota is young, but they're talented enough to make a run. They've got another year experience in net over last year, which makes a big difference.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:58 PM)

Here's a scary thought: how good will Minnesota be next year, if the NHL situation isn't resolved and they can keep everybody together ... plus #5 NHL pick Blake Wheeler and maybe even Phil Kessel.

tom (dc)

HELP!!!! I have Brett Sterling on my college hockey fantasy teams (sure, my friends and i are a little obsessed with college hockey), but i can't start him vs. Minny (my favorite!!!) who'd be a good FA pickup?!?!

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (1:59 PM)

You can't start him? You've got to get that kid in the lineup every week. Meanwhile ... is Brad Zanacanaro available in your league? He's red hot for BU.

Sonny (South Bend, Indiana)

College Fantasy HOckey? Get a life!

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:00 PM)

These kinds of comments worry me ... Sonny (can I call you Sonny?), go catch a game. And preferably at a better rink than Notre Dame's.

Jason (Charlotte)

Is John Curry the real deal between the pipes for the Terriers?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:01 PM)

He's certainly played up to that level. I started to doubt him a bit after that game at Denver, but he's bounced back fine.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:01 PM)

One more question, and we've got to sign off ...

paul (boston)

would you say holy Cross is a lock to win the Frozen four this year?

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:02 PM)

Is this Bill Simmons posting?

David (Michigan)

What do you think of Michigan's chances to win the CCHA are? I still have not been very impressed with this team yet.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:03 PM)

I think Michigan will run away with the CCHA. They haven't come together completely yet, but they have a lot more talent than the rest of that conference. And look for Kevin Porter to have a great second half after his performance at the junior tournament.

Nate Ewell, Inside College Hockey

  (2:03 PM)

OK, we're out. Time to make way for the one and only Mel Kiper. See you next week for another edition of Inside College Hockey on The Show.