A Conversation between Rodrigo lavinsh and Nicole Hellums FEbruary, 1997

"What do you like most about America?"

"Probably hockey, that's the reason I came here. Hockey's pretty good. It's a lot more tougher and a lot more physical here, so that's probably why."

"How did you get started playing hockey?"

"My dad actually. We were watching a hockey game on TV and our pro teams' coach said, 'If anyone age 4 to 8 wants to come skate, you're welcome to.' Then my dad said, 'Do you want to be a hockey player?' I said 'But of course', and I didn't even realize what it is, you know."

"How do you feel about the referees?"

"In this league they are really bad, but I just play the game. It doesn't really go through my head, they just make the calls."

"What do you miss most about Latvia?"

"What I miss, probably the family and friends mostly. That's what's important. Actually when I'm going home, spending summer at home, I miss the states. And when I'm coming back to the states, the first couple weeks I really miss home. I really want to leave. And when I am here and I am going home I miss the states for a couple weeks."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Yah, I have a brother and sister."

"Has any of your family come to America?"

"My dad's coming in March, end of March, but before that nobody was here."

"What do you plan to do after you retire from hockey?"

"I don't really plan, I'm still really into hockey and working hard. I am trying to get to a higher level so I really don't think about after hockey."

"What sports do you like other than hockey?"

"I like almost all sports. I grew up with soccer and basketball and stuff like that. When I was a kid I played almost every day in school soccer and basketball. Football, American football, and baseball is kind of far from me but I've played it and I really liked it and enjoyed it. So I really like all spOrts. I am a big fan of tennis. I like to play tennis."

What kind of music do you like to listen to?"

"Alternative rock and a couple country songs."

"What kind of movies do you like?"

I'm a BIG fan of movies. I have a lot of favorite ...I like Scar Face and Good Fellows. But also I am enjoying Chevy Chase movies. I'm a really BIG fan of movies. I can't tell my favorite movie. I really can't. There's many."

I talked to Rodrigo Lavinsh, defense for the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks. He is very nice and I hope to talk to him again. I wish him good luck in future games. I hope that he will play in the NHL some day. Go Tiger Sharks!!!