Cody McLeod has proved this season his hands have more use for things than just pugilism. The Avalanche left wing has a career-high 12 goals, with another two months to add to that total.
The Denver Post’s Adrian Dater took some time to get to know the native of Binscarth, Manitoba, a little better.
Q: What’s with all the goals this year? Thought you were just a one-dimensional goon type?
A: Yeah, well, I try to do more. I always wanted to be known as more than just a fighter. I wanted to be known as a guy who could play the game.
Q: But it’s easy to get stereotyped in this game, especially when it comes to fighters.
A: It is. It seems like once that happens, it’s tough to get any other kind of role. But it’s still a valuable part of a team, I think.
Q: There has been a lot of talk recently of reform to the fighting parts of the game. A player recently lost his life because of injuries related to a hockey fight. Many want to outlaw fighting in the game. What are your thoughts on this issue?
A: I think it’s terrible what happened to that player (Don Sanderson), but I still don’t think fighting should be outlawed. I think it still plays a big role in the game. When guys start running around and trying to get away with stuff, they know they have to answer the bell. If that was taken away, I think you might see more injuries, more cheap shots. It’s just always been a part of our game.
Q: What did you buy with your first NHL paycheck?
A: Actually, I think I just put it in the bank.
Q: What was it like to be handed a big paycheck for the first time as an NHL player?
A: I remember looking at it and saying, “Is this right?” Like maybe they made a mistake and it was too much. It was a good feeling. It made me realize how hard it took to get there, but that it was all worth it.
Q: You’re a bit of a troublemaker on the ice. Were you that way growing up?
A: Maybe a little. It’s the red hair, I guess.
Q: What annoys you?
A: Probably bad drivers. If somebody cuts me off or flips me off, I’m the type that might come back at them. Either that, or I just smile and flash my (gap- toothed) smile. That usually throws ’em off a little.
Q: You grew up in Manitoba. That was Winnipeg Jets country. You must have been a big fan.
A: Actually, I was a big Montreal Canadiens fan. My dad liked them, and I just followed him.
Q: I hear you like heavy metal?
A: Yes. AC/DC. Big fan of them. I saw them when they came to Denver. I like ’80s hair metal, definitely.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t playing hockey?
A: I used to work as a carpenter in the summers back home. Probably be doing something like that.
Q: You’ve had a good season personally, but the team is struggling. How tough have things been in the locker room lately?
A: It’s been difficult. We just seem to be getting every bounce or break or whatever against us lately. But we’re still in a playoff race, and we just have to keep showing up and trying to get things turned around. We haven’t given up on the season, that’s for sure.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
Big fans of . . .
Cody McLeod’s most admired people:
1. Parents Sandra and Pete
2. Tiger Woods
3. Wayne Gretzky
4. Garth Brooks
5. Brother Riley
