NHL: Derek Roy Interview

Following an impressive 8-5 win over the Washington Capitals at HSBC Arena, McKeen's correspondent David Burstyn caught up with Buffalo Sabres' forward Derek Roy to discuss his season to date. The former Kitchener Rangers' star has recorded six points in 13 games since being recalled at the start of November after starting the year with the Rochester Amerks.

McKeen's: Congratulations on the win. November 3rd must have been a special day for you! Can you talk briefly about your season so far?

Derek Roy: Well, I got called up but when I was sent down initially I was a little disappointed about that. However, I wanted to work my way back to the NHL and I thought I had a lot of help with the coaching staff and the players down there. When I got called back up, I just wanted to make the best of my opportunity and showcase my talents that I showed during training camp. I am playing now on a line with Chris Drury and Mike Grier and it is amazing. I like playing with those guys and hopefully we can continue to play well.

McKeen's: What do you feel you bring to this organization?

Derek Roy: I try to go out every night and compete. Try to be a guy that doesn't have many nights off and, if I do that, then hopefully I can stay at this level and have a successful season.

McKeen's: You started the season in the AHL. How disappointing was it for you not to start the year in the NHL?

Derek Roy: It was disappointing at first, but I had a lot of help from my family and my friends and they supported me. I felt that I did certain things to get called up and that is why I am here.

McKeen's: You were tearing it up in the AHL. How much more difficult is it to score at the NHL level?

Derek Roy: It is so much harder, the goaltending is that much better, the defensive zone and players in general are just so much better. It is a much faster game, you have to be quick and make even quicker decisions. I think the more you play, the more you start to feel comfortable and understand the speed of the game.

McKeen's: What aspects of your game do you think you really improved on since turning professional?

Derek Roy: I thought I improved a lot on my speed. I worked on it in the summer time. As well, just practising you get better.

McKeen's: Who has helped you the most as far as skill development is concerned? Which player do you look up to in the dressing room?

Derek Roy: I look up to a lot of players like Danny Briere and Chris Drury. Similar players like myself, small forwards. I try to look at their play and take something out of it and incorporate it into my game.

McKeen's: You have been shuffled around a lot by Lindy Ruff. Is there anybody you prefer to play with or have really good chemistry with?

Derek Roy: I just try to go out there and compete. It is an honour to play with Chris Drury and Mike Grier so I have to keep working hard and hopefully I stay with that line.

McKeen's: What has been the highlight of your NHL career?

Derek Roy: Probably my first call-up and I also had a multi-goal game - that was pretty special too. Just being around the guys here and the camaraderie that exists is like a dream come true.

McKeen's: What motivates you?

Derek Roy: My family and friends, they would want this chance to be able to play in the NHL and they always tell me how lucky I am. There are a lot of kids out there that would love to play in the NHL so I can not take this opportunity for granted.

McKeen's: What do you feel you have to do to be a mainstay with the Sabres?

Derek Roy: I have to go out and play well and do the small things like getting the puck out of the zone and making smart decisions with the puck. Try to contribute on the scoresheet by making plays with the puck and getting to the net.

McKeen's: Who are some players and teams you respect the most in the league?

Derek Roy: That's a tough question as you know there are a lot of great players so guys like Steve Yzerman, Peter Forsberg and Eric Lindros those are some of the guys I respect .

McKeen's: What was it like to play against longtime linemate and friend Steve Eminger tonight?

Derek Roy: It felt great (he says with a smile). We won a Memorial Cup together and when you win something like that, you automatically come close with those guys. Steve and I are extremely close as he used to pick me up all the time before practise; we have established a bond that you will never forget.

McKeen's: What do you think about the new CBA and how it affects a player like yourself?

Derek Roy: It helped a lot of the younger guys. With all the rule changes and everything else involved. As far as myself, I just go out and play hockey and whatever happens, happens.