Chairman How's Glorious Army

Forward Chris Higgins was signed by the Blue Jackets this summer and is one of the young players who hope to make a difference in Syracuse in 2009-2010. Higgins is coming off of a stellar season with Boston University, where he helped his team to the National Championship. He was also one of the more consistent players on the team, with numbers that only got better as Higgins became more experienced. In the 2005-06 season, Higgins scored 8 goals and snagged 13 assists; in 2006-07, he went 13-19; in 07-08 he went 14-18; in 08-09 he went 14-34. Recently, the 23-year-old, 5-11 player was nice enough to spend a few minutes answering some questions for Chairman How’s. Higgins is a big fan of Lil Wayne and cites President Abraham Lincoln as one of his favorite American historical figures. What else did Higgins have to say? 

How did it feel to be signed right out of college?

It was a great feeling to be signed right out of college.  It was a little stressful at times, going back and fourth for a few weeks with my agent and teams, but I was relieved when I finally signed.

What did you major in?

I majored in American History.

What would you be doing this fall if you weren’t signed?

I am not sure what I would be doing right now if I was not signed, most likely go into business or go to grad school.

What kinds of things have you heard about the Syracuse organization?

To be honest, I have not heard much about the Syracuse organization.  However, my friends Dan Spang and Brian McGuirk played there last season and enjoyed their experiences so I am excited to get started.

Have you looked at the list of teams you’re going to be playing with the Crunch? If yes, are there any you’re looking forward to? Why?

I have seen some of the teams we will be playing this year and I am excited to play all of them.  Some of my teammates from BU will be on some of those teams, so it will be fun playing against them rather than with them.

What has been your best hockey-related memory so far?

My best hockey-related memory so far was winning the National Championship this season.  It was a great year and I could not have asked for a better ending to my college career than winning a National Championship with 26 of my best friends.

How would you describe your style of play?

I would describe my style of play as a creative playmaker.  I am clever with the puck and enjoy making plays and creating scoring opportunities.

What does your pre-game routine look like? Do you think it’ll change at all in the AHL?

Our Pre-game routine at BU was pretty straight forward: pre-game skate, team meeting, team meal, and then I would take a pre-game nap.  From what I have heard, pro hockey is a little more on your own before games.  I will probably still take a pre-game nap, but other than that I will just try to stay loose before games.

Do you have any hockey-related “superstitions” you’re willing to share with us?

Every player has their superstitions and routines on game days and I am no different.  However, I do not really do anything out of the ordinary.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully in five years I am playing in the NHL.  My dream growing up has always been to play in the NHL and now I am one step closer to that dream.

What’s the one thing you want Crunch fans knowing about you before you arrive in Syracuse?

The one thing I would want the Crunch fans to know about me is that I am a team player and the team’s success is very important to me.  I am looking forward to meeting all of the fans and the people of Syracuse.

I’d like to extend a huge “thank you!” to Chris for taking the time to answer our questions!