Meet the Bisons

The Bisons men’s hockey team captain, Rob Smith

ROMER BAUTISTA, STAFF

Manitoban: When and how did you get your start in hockey?

Rob Smith: I got started when I was five years old. I absolutely hated it because I couldn’t stand on my feet. But [my dad] kept on taking me out, and after a while started breaking me down, and I started to get better at it.

M: Why did you decide to play at the U of M?

RS: It came down to the U of M being close to home. I’m from Steinbach, [Man.] and my family and friends were here, and since I was away from home for three or four years [playing junior hockey] it kind of felt like it was time to come back and play hockey in front of them.

M: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

RS: I get dressed at a certain time. I come to the rink and I tape my sticks and I listen to music, and do some pre-game visualization. I definitely take some alone time in that process of getting ready to get rid of all the distractions.

M: What does the team do to celebrate a big win?

RS: We come into the dressing room and we sing our victory song. We usually open the door nice and wide so the other team can hear. Kind of rub it in a little bit.

M: Favorite movie?

RS: Braveheart.

M: Favourite musician?

RS: One of my favourite musicians would be Keith Urban. I’m a country music fan. I’m also getting into Christian rock now, like Newsboys and Matt Redmand.

M: Favourite television show?

RS: I’m not a huge TV fan. I’ll usually just watch sports highlights.

M: Favourite sport, other than soccer?

RS: Volleyball.

M: Favourite athlete?

RS: Jarome Iginila.

M: If you could pick anyone, dead or alive, to have dinner with, who would it be?

RS: My grandpa, Thomas Smith.

M: How would you describe Britney Spears in five words or less?

RS: Out of this world.