Sunday, August 4, 2013

Twenty Questions With Daniel Tetrault

In the run up to the new season Allen Americans Blog will make an attempt to catch up with as many of the new players as possible to ask them a few "get to know you questions" about hockey and life. We start with defenseman, Daniel Tetrault.

We started with the basics. His last name is pronounced TAY-troh and his friends call him Tetsy. He is from La Broquerie, Manitoba (it is two words not one as you will see many places) which has a population of about 1100. He has three brothers and a sister, is married and his first wedding anniversary is today (August 4th). He met his wife, Tabayia, while playing for the Wichita Thunder as she worked in the Thunder front office as the Director of Finance. Since moving to North Texas earlier this year Tabayia has opened a boutique in downtown Plano. The name is La Belle Boutique and they carry women's clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories. The boutique is located just east of the DART tracks on the north side of 15th street (1007 E. 15th St.) I encourage all Allen fans to stop by the store and introduce yourself to Tabayia. You can check out the store and she can also talk hockey with anyone. If you are on Facebook make sure to go to her page (La Belle Boutique Plano) and "like" her page.

Dan will be starting his 14th professional season. His first year as a pro (2000-2001) was with the Austin Ice Bats of the Western Professional Hockey League which merged with and became part of the Central Hockey League. He has played for the Wichita Thunder for five years (2005-2008 & 2010-2012).

 He is 33 years old, six feet tall and weighs 205, shoots right and has an impressive resume.
     - He was drafted by Montreal in the 4th round  of the 1997 NHL draft.
     - In 1996 he was a member of the Team Canada under 18 team that won the world championship defeating the US in the finals.
     - He played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1995-2000 and was captain of the team in 1998-1999. They won the WHL title in 1995.
     - In 2001-2002, playing for the Austin Ice Bats he was selected as the most outstanding defenseman in the CHL
     - He is the all time points leader for defensemen for the Wichita Thunder
     - He was the captain of the Thunder for two years including 2011-2012 when they were conference champions and finals runner up.
     - His coach in Wichita (Kevin McClelland) describes him as follows:  "He gives his heart and soul. Some guys are leaders in the dressing room, some guys are leaders on the ice. Tetrault's both."
     - Tetrault played for Bill McDonald as a member of the New Mexico Scorpions in 2003-2005. Erik Adams was a teammate.
     - Tetrault's favorite player growing up was Chris Chelios and the numbers he has chosen to wear recently are #7 which Chelios wore in Chicago and #24 which he wore in Detroit & Montreal. He will wear #7 this year.
     - His favorite NHL team growing up was the Winnipeg Jets.
     - His favorite meal is "old Chicago style" pizza.
     - He was described by one of his coaches as a top veteran who has always played with a lot of character and grit. He plays a physical game with a lot of offensive upside. 




Happy Anniversary!!!

Nickname: When I was younger everyone called me Daniel Boone so in Canada my nickname was Boone but that never caught on in the states. My teammates all call me Tetsy.

Earliest Hockey Memory: First time skating when I was four, I was real scared and didn't want to skate.

Favorite Actress: Julia Roberts

Favorite Type of Music: Country

Current Favorite Singer: Kenny Chesney 

If You Could Have Lunch With Anyone Who Would you Pick: Chris Chelios

Something People Would Be Surprised To Learn About You: My first language is French

What Chore Do You Hate To Do: Any carpentry work because I am so bad at it.

If You Could Live In Another Country Where Would You Pick: France or Japan

If You Could Be Anything Besides a Pro Hockey Player What Would You Be: A hockey coach

Any Pregame Rituals: I get dressed real early, don't play hacky sack  or soccer. I stay to myself and focus.

Who is your number one fan? My father.

What do you like to do to kill time on the bus? I love to play cards (Schnarps)

Favorite Childhood Toy: GI Joe's

Personal Motto or Saying: Work hard and have fun

Favorite TV Show: Hockey Night in Canada

Describe Your Style Of Play: All out player, good offensively and defensively. I like to play physical and am at my best when I play with an edge. I am hard hitting and I use my slap shot well. It has been clocked at 96 MPH.

Favorite Career Moments: The 1996 Under 18 Canadian National Team which won the   Championship against the US, Western Hockey League Championship with the Brandon Wheat Kings and being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 4th round of the 1997 NHL draft.

Who Do You Know On The Team: I played with Jim McKenzie in Evansville and Erik Adams in New Mexico. Otherwise I just know some of the players from playing against them.

What Do You Like To Do Away From The Rink: I have a passion for golf and I love to watch baseball.






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