NHL AWARDS CEREMONY

June 19, 1997

Michael Peca

MICHAEL PECA: It is. It is really a great honor. I was telling people the weeks and months prior to this, knowing I was a nominee, I still hadn't grasped what all this meant. Coming to the city and seeing the big show that is put on, really puts in perspective what this means to me now. I am thankful to all the hockey writers that they were gracious enough to pick me. I thank you and hopefully I can continue to improve and not stop here.

MICHAEL PECA: Well, I am big on the mental side of the game. For me, this is going to put me a little bit at ease coming into camp each year. Years prior, it was always a case where you are coming in wondering where you are going to fit in time to time. Now, I think this solidifies me somewhat when I come to camp, I know what my job is. Is makes it a lot easier coming to camp knowing what you got to do and knowing what your job is, mentally that will help me a lot.

MICHAEL PECA: To be honest with you, I didn't think about it much that way. Peter had outstanding years and so did a lot like Rob Zamuner and Sandstrom, a lot of guys are more capable of being up here this evening.

MICHAEL PECA: It does, especially because our team emphasized that all year long and to have it sugar coated a little bit with this - by no means, is this individual work. I had linemates and teammates that busted their butts all year long. Of course, having Dominik Hasek between the pipes makes it a lot easier.

MICHAEL PECA: When I got to play for Killer, he didn't only help me as a hockey player and working all parts on my game, but he really molded me into -- I like to consider myself a fine individual and out in the real world, Brian was a man who was real close to me. I love him very much. And, I mean, I can't say enough of what his coaching did for my development and I still use some of it today.

MICHAEL PECA: It has. And I am glad to see that. The other two guys are going to be fine hockey players Jay McKee and Mike Wilson. When I came in, I didn't want to apply too much pressure to myself. I knew I was coming into a tough situation. If I was a fan, I probably would be hassled about the situation. I wanted to prove to the fans in Buffalo they weren't getting a scrub. That they were getting a guy that was going to work and hopefully be a person and player that they will appreciate some day.

MICHAEL PECA: It meant a little bit. Always nicer to look at 20 of the 19, but what made it special, it was my six shorthanded goal. We were talking about it for a few weeks before that. I think I went two days or so without scoring, so, it was nice to get the 20th. My offensive part of my game is something I want to work on a little bit more. And, hopefully I can have some years when I surpass that.

MICHAEL PECA: I am sure it will help it somewhat. But, I just made a long summer. It certainly is going to be something that is going to be taken care of right away. They have got a full plate. Of course, Buffalo always has a full plate. But, we have got one. And, there is a lot of work that has to be done. I met Darcy Regier today. He seems like a bright man. I am sure he is going to get everything done that needs to be done.

MICHAEL PECA: I hope so. A lot of other guys, I know share the same feeling. As far as, you know, I just try not to involve myself in these type of feuds. I am a Ted fan. But, I have told a lot of people as well, Ted is a big man and a lot of people want him here, but if he is not, he is going to be a great coach somewhere else. He will be taken care of. But, now I need a contract and Michael Peca is probably priority 1 for me right now. Hopefully we can get through that and I hope we are together at the same time. If we are not, we will both be fine, I am sure.