An Interview with Pittsburgh Penguin Matthew Barnaby

"A great team player and a penaly minute magnet, Matt Barnaby first caught my eye when he and Ted Nolan provided the Buffalo Sabres with a much needed spinal transfusion. A world class pest, a hard nosed tough guy, and a player whose skills far transcend those of old school enforcers, Matt is clicking nicely in Pittsburgh.

-Be sure to check out www.mattbarnaby.com -- as you will read below, this is bright, funny honest guy, and his site contains a daily diary worth your attention. I'll be lucky if I ever get better answers than Matt's. So, what do you say to a guy who smiles and sticks his tongue out during NHL brawls? I say welcome to nickbakay.com"

NICK: What kind of an owner would dracula be?

MATT: I think he would probably suck.

   
NICK: Favorite deadly sin: Lust, avarice, sloth, gluttony, pride, envy, anger?

MATT: I am guilty of a couple of them, but I have to go with PRIDE.  ENVY and ANGER are right there, but PRIDE seems more human.

   
NICK:  Why?

MATT:  Didn't i just answer that?

   
NICK:  Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

MATT: You mean have I ever seen a ghost? I sometimes think a gremlin steals my keys or lifts my stick on a slapshot, but I can't really prove anything....

   
NICK: What's in your glove compartment?

MATT: Lipstick, hairbrush, diapers, JAGR's home number... just like any other married guy with a 2 year old.

   
NICK: What have you never admitted before, to anyone?

MATT: Well, are we alone? Those CARE BEAR guys use to freak me out...

   
NICK: What would surprise people the most about you?

MATT: I think most people would be very surprised too learn that I studied quantum physics with Dr. Lowell Pacakard at the Ontario College of Advanced Sciences. My thesis was based on particle motion and the effect on ionized atoms. I don't think many people would be surprised to know that I lie quite often during interviews.

   
NICK: What is your guilty pleasure?

MATT: Some people might think it is wasteful or another example of an athlete acting spoiled or losing touch with reality, but I really enjoy shooting 31 inch color TVs with a rifle.

   
NICK: What scares you?

MATT: I think it is important to face your fear. About 2 years ago I sought out some "help" and they were able to get me to a point where I could look at Rob Ray's enormous head without shrieking.

   
NICK: What is your personal motto?

MATT: Motto? I guess I would say "If you smile, alot of the world wants to punch you"

   
NICK: Congrats on your new deal with the penguins, are you happy there?

MATT: I am seriously happy to be there. The guys are great and the organization has been FIRST CLASS. The fans in Pittsburgh are beyond rabid....how could I not want to be there?

   
NICK: What's the best way to get under a guy's skin during a game?

MATT: You have to attack them personally... you need some inside info. I pay trainers all over the league to keep me up to date on marital problems, hair transplants, and any unusual garments found in guys lockers.

   
NICK: Are you an agitator by choice, or is it your nature?

MATT: Kinda both. It got me to the league and it has kept me there. I could probably score 70-80 goals a season, but my unselfish nature allows Jagr to have the glory. I am just having fun and trying to entertain the fans...

   
NICK: Is it true you and former teammate Rob Ray had dinner the night before a game, then came out swinging?

MATT: Well, if having dinner is defined as "drinking beer at a bar", then yes, it happened. Robby is a great guy and I owe a lot to him, but we knew it was gonna happen. Its our jobs.

   
NICK: What's it like to drop the gloves with a friend?

MATT: I think it is almost easier to fight a friend. Its like fighting your brother... you love him, but you want to pound him sometimes. By the way, he hits kinda hard.

   
NICK: What's your take on how Ted Nolan, a former coach of the year, can be out of the game this long?

MATT: I love Ted Nolan and I am amazed at what has happened. How can a guy WIN "Coach of the Year" and then he can't get a job? He gave me an opportunity to play and I will never forget that.

   
NICK: Did you ever call out Hasek?

MATT: First off, I admire HASEK greatly... he is an inhuman goalie. But, there was a time when I was very upset and frustrated by the Ted Nolan thing and I expressed my displeasure. I never wanted to fight the guy, but I wanted to vent. We had such a good thing happening and it all blew up...

   
NICK: What's the strangest thing you ever saw go down during an NHL game?

MATT: I have seen a lot of things that I can't comment on! Once in the minors, I ACCIDENTALLY slashed a guy in the face and he was being sewn up in our lockerroom and I got sent there too. He started fighting me and he had scissors and stuff stuck in his head. That was interesting.

   
NICK: What was the last music you bought?

MATT: Bought? NAPSTER, my man.

   
NICK: In your estimation, does anyone on the sports landscape embody pure evil?

MATT: I would have to go with Scott Hamilton...

   
NICK: Look into the crystal ball and tell us what you see for the world of sports ten years from now?

MATT: A decade from now, I think the WNBA will be the pinnacle of sports and celebrities will pay a premium to watch missed lay-ups and exciting below-the-rim action.

   
NICK: What is the secret to life?

MATT: I had to think about this question. I know there have been many philosphers who have quarrelled over this tedious exercise, but I believe I have solved this mystery. Without sounding arrogant or pompous, I would like to announce the "secret to life"....CHICKEN BROTH WITH ROASTED GARLIC.

   

NHL Pittsburgh Penguin: BARNABY

TEAM: Pittsburgh Penquins
AGE: 27
POSITION: Right Wing
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 188
SHOOTS: Left
BORN: May 4, 1973 OTTAWA, ON, CAN
WEBSITE: www.mattbarnaby.com

Acquired by the Penguins for Stu Barnes on March 11, 1999, this veteran of more than 300 NHL games is an intense competitor who takes on all comers and is afraid of no foe. In 1996-97, while with the Sabres, Barnaby set personal single-season bests in goals (19), assists (24) and points (43) while spending 249 minutes in the penalty box. In 1995-96, Barnaby led the League in penalty minutes with a career-high 335 minutes.

Matthew Barnaby -- is a unique person. Anyone who has witnessed him play will tell you that Matt is of a different breed. He doesn't show fear. He laughs when he shouldn't. He is one of the most hated players in the NHL... unless you are a Penguins fan! Off the ice, Matthew is still unique, but a lot nicer.

Matthew Joseph Thomas Barnaby was brought fighting into this world on May 4th, 1973, in Ottawa, Canada, His mother Sandra, and his older brother Brent raised him. Matt was not born into the best situation, and had to fight (literally) for everything he received.

   
Matt always loved hockey, and would spend every Saturday night watching "Hockey Night in Canada" with his brother Brent. Matt began playing hockey when he was only 8 years old. He loved the Montreal Canadiens and his favorite NHL player was Dale Hunter.

Matt was a very good player and dreamed of playing in the National Hockey League. Those dreams almost ended when he was cut from his team at the age of 15. He tried again the following year - and was cut again.

Matthew was humbled, depressed, and angry. He was also very confused; what could he dream of if not hockey? Luckily, Matthew has the best big brother anyone could ask for. Brent, who is 14 years older than Matt, helped him re-focus. He invited Matt to work at the mill with him. Matthew showed up at 6:00 AM and worked until 7:00 at night. Soon, Matt decided that he would commit himself to being the best player he could be.

Matt continued to improve and eagerly awaited the junior draft. He was 17 years old and a strapping 140lbs. He was hoping to go in the middle rounds. But, he didn't. He waited until the final pick of the draft, the 240th pick in the 20th round, before he heard his name.

Being the last player chosen would have destroyed the confidence of most players, but Matt is not the norm. The coach looked at him and saw a small, 5-foot-8, 140 pound player. Matthew knew then that his ticket to make the team was to add value. In the first 2 days, he fought anyone and everyone who challenged him. He refused to back down and as a result, the coach kept him on the roster.

In the next 2 years, Matthew became an assistant captain, and had a season of 29 goals, 66 points, and 476 penalty minutes. Matthew was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 4th round (83rd pick) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He soon became a fan favorite and a player who other teams were frustrated by. Matt now knows the recipe for survival in the NHL - agitate players, FIGHT players, and score as many points as you can.

In 1999, Matthew was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a trade he requested, and one that many Sabres fans were upset by. In the off season, Matthew lives in Buffalo with his wife, Christine, and their son Matthew. He still has many friends in Buffalo, but felt the time was right for a change. Matt was euphoric when he found out he would be playing for the Penguins. He has always admired Jagr, and now he has a chance to play alongside him.

Matt loves to interact with the fans. "The Pittsburgh fans are incredible - they wait for players after the fame. Not just a few people, there are thousands!" Claims Matthew. He loves playing in front of rowdy fans, and the fans in 'the Burgh' fit the bill.

In the off season, Matt enjoys golfing and spending time with his family. Matt, Christine, and their son Matthew watch a LOT of Barney, and enjoy swimming in their pool.