Features > Player Spotlight- #7 Blake Bishop
Player Spotlight- #7 Blake Bishop
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR-
Chris Bilder: You now rank second all-time on the Generals defensive scoring list. What does that mean to you?
Blake Bishop: Its always nice to have points, but it really doesn’t mean a whole lot for me. I’m just out there having fun and playing my hardest, and if the points come that’s great.
CB: You trail Ben Tikka by 25 points; do you think you can catch him? And, is it your goal to catch him?
BB: 25 points is a lot more to get. It’d be nice to get that many, but as far as a goal I don’t think so. The points really aren’t all that important to me. I’d rather be known as a solid defenseman than a real point getter.
CB: You currently lead NORPAC in goals by a defenseman (16), you lead the Pacific Division in points by a defenseman and you rank third in that category in NORPAC. Did you think you would have this kind of scoring output this season?
BB: Not at all. I had 36 points all last season and I thought that was plenty. But, this season it seems like everything is falling my way; so I’m definitely not complaining.
CB: You lead the Generals in plus/minus this season. What do you do when you’re on the ice that has allowed you to lead that category?
BB: I just try to do my job as a defenseman before I worry about anything else. The offensive part of my game really contributes too. I do like to rush the puck and start the offensive plays.
CB: What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
BB: Personally, I want to finish out the season strong. I’d like to break the 50 point mark, but that certainly is not my highest priority. To finish with the highest plus/minus is really what I would like to accomplish.
CB: You recently sat out your first game this season due to injury. Does sitting out that one game make you appreciate being on the ice any more than you already did?
BB: Of course it makes you appreciate it. Watching your team play is all fine and dandy, but not being able to contribute to a game really gets you down. Hopefully there wont be too many more games that I have to miss.
CB: What are some of the similarities and differences between the 2009/10 Generals and the 2008/09 Generals at this point of the season?
BB: At this point it seems like this year’s team is more driven towards playoffs. Its all about us having a shot at Nationals now, and this bunch of guys really seems motivated. As far as similarities, I feel like we’ve become brothers like we were last year.
CB: This is your second season as an alternate captain for the Generals. What are some of the ways in which you feel you’ve improved as a captain?
BB: I think I don’t show emotions as much as I did last year. If things aren’t going my way with calls, or whatever, I just try to keep truckin’ instead of getting mad like I did last season.
CB: What is your favorite moment this season?
BB: I would have to say the team building at the Bilder compound was my favorite moment this season. It was a good time to just get away with all the guys and mess around.
CB: What are your goals for the team for the rest of the season, and do you think the team can reach those goals?
BB: Of course I want us to make a run at nationals, and as far as making it that far I have no doubt if we stick to our game plans, and keep up our hard work, we can play with just about anyone.