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Ever wanted to ask a sports personality a question? Now’s your chance. They will answer readers’ questions in The Denver Post’s “Fan Mail” feature.

Keep an eye out for next week’s installment. Send your Qs in an email to fanmail@denverpost.com.

I was wondering, considering the fact that you grew up as an Avs fan, did you feel a sense of disappointment in not being able to play at least one year with Super Joe (Sakic)? In the same respect, how does it feel to playing with Adam Foote, who is the single remaining player from the “glory days?” Lastly, is it weird to consider that you are actively playing for and changing the history of a team you grew up idolizing?

— Jarrett, Red Deer, Alberta

Matt Duchene: I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to play with Joe, obviously, because he was my favorite player growing up. At the same time, his leaving probably meant I got a spot on the roster. It’s definitely cool to play and live with Adam Foote. He’s such a great leader and guy to look up to and take advice from. Definitely pretty cool to play with the team I grew up cheering for. Once in a while I take the time and look down and see the Avalanche crest and I thank God I have this opportunity.

“Why did you choose the Avs as your favorite team growing up?”

— Sean, Highlands Ranch

I’m not too sure, to be honest. I was fascinated with goalies as a kid, and I quickly took a liking to Patrick Roy. I loved his equipment, how he played. I also loved Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. They were my favorite players as well.

Before the season starts, do you set any goals regarding point totals you want to achieve?

— Maureen, Calgary

No, not really. Just try to improve my all-around play, and usually if you can do that, the points will come. I just focus on improving in every aspect of my game.

As you know Matt, we’re pretty big on table hockey back in Haliburton. In the official table hockey game at The Fast Lane we have the All-Star Avs vs. the All Star Habs. For the Avs, you’re centering Sakic and Forsberg, with Foote and Bourque on “D” and with Patrick in net. You are facing Beliveau, between The Rocket and The Flower, with Savard and Harvey on “D.” Patrick can’t play both ends. Should the Habs’ goalie be Dryden, Plante, Vachon or the Gumper? Have a great season, we’re all pulling for you.

— Andy, Minden, Ontario

MC: Hey Andy. Thanks for the question. Hope everything is well back home. I would pick Dryden to play in net.

Hockey geek question for Matt: Are you sticking with the Reebok 8.0.8 stick this year? Do you use a custom curve of your own? What flex do you use? What kind of cut do you use on your skates?

— Dario Ronzone, Highlands Ranch

MD: Yeah, I’m using Reebok 8.0.8 again; just with a different paint job. Yes, I use my own curve been using that for three years now. Mostly have heel with a hook at the end. It’s 120 flex, so it’s really stiff. As far as my skates, I use half-inch right now but trying to get a little bit less.

How did you become involved with the “School is Cool” program, and why did you choose to support that organization?

— Sandie, London, Ontario

The organizers back home contacted my mom and asked if I could help promote it. I looked at the program and saw it was a great cause, for sure. I’m definitely happy to help in any way that I can.

What do you usually do for a pre-game routine? What do you eat? Any interesting superstitions?

— Jordan, Wainright, Alberta

MD: I eat pasta, usually with some chicken or shrimp and Alfredo sauce, then I go home and sleep for a bit. Then I get up and go to the game. The only interesting superstition I would have is I dress the left side of my body before the right side. Don’t know why I do that, I just do.

How much influence did you and Ryan O’Reilly have in the Avs drafting Joey Hishon, and what can you tell us about him?

— Brian, Baltimore

We didn’t have much influence to be honest. I think me and Ryan mentioned his name once to the scouting staff. But they obviously saw what we’d seen. He’s very creative, has great hands, great vision and will be a great player in the league down the road.

If you could play with any current wingers today aside from your teammates, who would you want to be your left and right wingers?

— Carmela, Manila, Philippines

Patrick Kane and Zach Parise.

First off, I just wanted to say thank you for giving my 11 month son (now 23 months) a puck at his very first hockey game last September when the Avs were in St. Louis to play the Blues in a pre-season game. Now onto my question: My brother, my friend and I have noticed that you seem to have some form of writing towards the top of your stick (they look like initials, a cross, and a 9). I was wondering if you could tell us what they are and what they mean.

— Micah, Heather, Merrick, Marc and Mark, St. Louis

MD: This year, I have something different on my sticks than last year. I have the words “Hank It,” which is a county song by Justin Moore. It basically means ‘Go for it, don’t hold back, have confidence.” Below it I have a Bible verse: Philippians 4:13. The verse means, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” The cross obviously goes with that. Then my number is on the front. That way, the guys on the bench know which stick is mine when they have to grab me one.

Matt Duchene, just 19, is considered one of the NHL’s bright young stars. He honed his game playing for his hometown Haliburton Huskies before moving up to the AAA level.

Duchene was selected as the NHL rookie of the month for December 2009, scoring five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 14 games. Duchene finished his rookie NHL season third on the Avalanche in scoring with 55 points, and second in goals with 24. Duchene was selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team and placed third in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year.