prohockey.de::Mike, it was a treat for all fans to learn that you just signed a multi-year deal with the Barons. But I assume you received good offers from other interesting clubs as well. What made you decide in favor of Munich?
Mike Kennedy: There were some interesting offers to think about, but there are many factors to think about when making important decisions. Some of these factors are: What is the organization like? What is the coach like? What kind of team will they have? To all those questions I can answer that Munich will be a great team, has a great coach and organization. Then I have to think about the city, and if my wife will like it. She has been teaching English at Berlitz and enjoys having her own things to do. Lastly, I have to think about the money and how much more it would take to leave Munich. We decided that for a little more money elsewhere it wasn’t worth it to leave a championship atmosphere.
prohockey.de:: By the way, what do you like most about Munich, besides the
Barons organization or the fans?
Mike Kennedy: Carrie and I enjoy the fact that Munich is a big city that has a lot to offer. We especially like the restaurants and beer gardens. We love to walk on Leopoldstrasse and eat in the outdoor cafes. I like that we are so close to the mountains and I went skiing during last year’s February break. Also, I think the weather is beautiful.
prohockey.de:: Does your long-term commitment to the Barons mean that you
have given up on the NHL? Or do you have kind of an escape clause in your contract?
Mike Kennedy: It would be a long road back to the NHL. There would be tremendous risk involved, but certainly I believe if someone were to give me a chance, I could definitely play at that level in a defensive manner.
prohockey.de:: What does your offseason look like? Enough time for hobbies, family or vacation?
Mike Kennedy: My offseason is pretty extreme. I try to fit into 3 months what I missed for the 9 months I was away. Carrie and I try to see our family and friends. I like to be very busy, but that includes some golf and tennis. We have a cottage 2 hours north of Toronto and we use it almost every weekend (when there is no wedding to go to).
prohockey.de:: While at home, how do you prepare for the upcoming campaign?
Mike Kennedy: I try to put an emphasis on my lower body during the offseason. Building leg strength helps during training camp. I like to train my heart in all sorts of ways, like: swimming, running, tennis and working out in the gym on the bike.
prohockey.de:: Does the club keep you players updated on player transfers and
other important developments? Or do you have to gather such information via the internet?
Mike Kennedy: I keep in touch by talking to Sean Simpson over the phone. In fact we just played a golf tournament together. But I do check the DEL site to see what the other teams have been doing in the offseason.
prohockey.de:: Are you regularly in touch with any of your teammates during the offseason?
Mike Kennedy: I do keep in touch with Phil Huber and Sean Simpson and everybody else we e-mail back and forth.
prohockey.de:: Speaking of Phil Huber. With guys like Girard, Larsson, Sweeney or Huber gone, the Barons front office has promised to bring in two or three new guys from North America. A lot of names have been brought up since (Kelly Fairchild/Hershey, Derek King/Grand Rapids, Marty Murray/Saint John or Mark Beaufait/Orlando). Do you rememeber any of these guys from your AHL/IHL days?
Mike Kennedy: We will miss Ricky, Lars, Swoop and Hubie, but from what I hear our team will be stronger than last year. I played with Kelly Fairchild in St. John’s and he is a very good player who sees the ice well and can equally score and make plays. I have also played with Derek King in Toronto and he is a great player who will indeed make an impact on the DEL. I remember Marty Murray from Köln and the Saint John flames and he will be sought after too. Mark Beaufait and I played against each other a long time ago, I think he was in Kansas City back then.
prohockey.de:: Speaking of departed players, do you think Bob Sweeney´s
decision is final this time? Or are they going to talk him out of retirement once again?
Mike Kennedy: Swoop seems to be the type of guy who will stick to his word, so I don’t expect him back. He is a family guy and I know they missed him this past year. I also think he is ready to make his step away from the game, but who knows, it would be nice to see him in a Barons jersey one more time.
prohockey.de:: Are you still in touch with any of your former NHL, AHL or IHL
teammates?
Mike Kennedy: I keep in touch with only a few. Dan Keczmer, Benoit Hogue, George Zajankala, Dane Jackson, (former Munich Baron) Billy McDougall, Mark McArthur, and if I go back to any of the cities I played in and still know someone, I give them a call.
