Off the Ice with ECHL All-Star Cal Ingraham 1997-98 Face Off Magazine

Article by: Ken Touchton
Interview by: Kyle Schultz

Cal Ingraham, the 27 year old wingman for the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks, has been a member of the team for the past two years and returns for his third straight season. Cal has become a standout in the league and a Tallahassee fan favorite ranking as one of the top players in the ECHL. In his past two seasons as a Tiger Shark, he has compiled very impressive statistics which include: 66 goals, 97 assists, and 163 points. Named to the ECHL All-Star Team during the 1995-96 season and having his best year ever in the 1996-97 season, Cal "The Ignitor" Ingraham is a great team leader and individual player.

Our own Kyle "The Voice" Schultz, sat down with Cal and got the inside take on Tallahassee's star hockey player.

How were you first introduced to the sport of hockey?

"I learned to skate when I was four, after that I played with my three brothers as much as I could. I can remember all those long days out on the pond and having my parents call us in for supper and just begging them for an extra half hour to stay out there and play.

"My brothers had a big impact on me as I grew up learning the game of hockey."

At what age did you start playing competative hockey?

"I got into the mighty might leagues at around age six and after that I started in the youth hockey leagues," which played a large developmental role for Cal as he learned the intricacies of the game.

"It was a great time, a lot of fun, and I'll never forget it!"

What team did you grow up watching and who was your favorite player?

"I always liked the Boston Bruins as a kid and my favorite player was Rick Middleton, who played for the Bruins and was nicknamed 'Nifty.'

"I always dreamed of being in the NHL and getting a chance to play in the old Boston Garden."

His dream of playing in the Boston Garden would later come true, but sooner than he thought.

Your first championship came while, you were In prep school. What was it like to play hockey there?

"I went to high school in Avon park, Connecticut, at Avon Old Farms' All Boys School. Hockey was much better there than in my hometown of Georgetown, Massachusetts. In my senior year our team won the New England Prep School Hockey Championship.

"It, was the first time Avon Park had ever done that, but the school has always been one of the best teams in the northeast and should continue to be."

How did you get into the University of Maine, and what was it like to play for Shawn Walsh, one of the greatest college hockey coaches ever?

"Out of high school, I was not recruited by any teams, so I went to the Air Force Academy for a spell (10 months). I decided it wasn't for me and my assistant coach at the academy called the University of Maine to set up a visit."

After seeing the school Cal decided to tryout for their team. He had to sit out one year because he was a transfer student, but made the team during his second year.

As for Shawn Walsh and the opportunity to play for him, Cal said,"When I played for Shawn, I learned more from him than I had in all my previous years of playing hockey, especially about defense and back-checking."

While at the University of Maine, Cal's dream came true as he played in several games at the old Boston Garden.

You won the NCAA Hockey Championship in 1993 at Maine. What was it like winning the championship and being a member of that great team?

"Winning the championship at Maine in 1993 was the most fun year of hockey I've ever had and probably will have. Being on the ice when the final buzzer rang and seeing the wave of blue come out of the stands toward us, was a feeling you only have once in a lifetime!"

Your college career ended on high note, then it comes to turning pro. You didn't do it right away and Jack Capuano had a lot to do with it. Tell us that story.

"After college I tried out in Portland and then again in Charlotte and not making either team I was frustrated and decided to go back home and work construction, the whole time thinking that I might not play hockey again. I really missed the game and wasn't happy with what I was doing.

"Following the Tiger Sharks' first year in the ECHL, assistant coach Jack Capuano called me and got me down to Tallahassee. At the start of training camp I don't think they were too happy with the way I played and thought they might let me go, but "Cappy" and T.C. decided to give me another chance and thank God for that, because I'd probably be working somewhere in construction now."

The pro game is a different animal compared to college. How did you adapt to the pro style?

"The biggest difference between college and the pros obviously is the scheduling. With 70 games in the pros and the most played in college 45, it's a big change playing three to four games a week versus playing two games each weekend. It is a real challenge to stay healthy and be mentally tough each game.

"Shawn and head coach T.C. of the Tiger Sharks, grew up in the coaching ranks together at Michigan State. So, it wasn't that difficult to adapt to the pro style in terms of coaching, because Shawn and Terry come from the same page and teach the same systems."

Did you ever think that you would reach All-Star status in the ECHL?

"When I made the All-Star Team my first year in the league,l was surprised because I felt like I hadn't played up to my potential. I knew I could be successful if I played my best and stayed mentally tough and worked hard!"

Where does your career go from here in the world of hockey?

"I'd like to have another good year this season. I know I'm getting o1d for the East Coast status, but I'd like to play this year then possibly teach and coach at a prep school or something like that. If it happens that way next year then I'll do that, if not maybe come back for another year and try to coach at this level."

With that said, does Cal Ingraham want to end his career with the Tiger Sharks, realizing that after this year he will be the all-time leading scorer in goals, assists, and points?

"I've really enjoyed my time here. I've met a bunch of great people and done a lot of things that you don't get to do up north. I've learned a lot about the south and if it came down to it, this wouldn't be a bad place to end it. I might settle down a little while and do some things in the community here."

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