When you say the name Anthony Peluso, one word comes to mind: Tough!
The enforcer of the Sault Greyhounds has seen a lot through his time in the OHL, dropped the mitts with the best the league can throw at him, and has seen some time in the pro ranks.
This week, we got the chance to interview Anthony about some hockey rules, rivals, and general life around the OHL. Sit back and enjoy as we go toe-to-toe with Anthony Peluso!!
(special thanks to Jeff Wing, OHLTG Correspondent in the Sault for his great work!)
OHL Tough Guys: In your opinion, in the next couple of years, who is going to be the Hound to watch in terms of toughness?
Anthony Peluso: Jake Carrick – he is small but he isn’t scared to go with anybody, that’s for sure.
OHLTG: What young Hounds player has surprised you this year in being able to hold his own?
AP: None of the younger kids have really fought very much, so I can’t really say anyone. (Brandon) Archibald held on pretty good with (Windsor tough guy Richard) Greenop in the one bout, though.
OHLTG: As an assistant Captain, have you found yourself taking any rookies under your wing?
AP: I try to just be around everyone as much as I can. I’ve tried to take (Grant) McGee under my wing but he’s an older guy and doesn’t need much help.
OHLTG: Do you have any special rituals or routines you go through to prepare for a game?
AP: Nothing really. I just eat, sleep, and not sit around all day.
OHLTG: Does playing against certain teams in the OHL affect how you mentally prepare for a game.
AP: Not so much teams but the buildings certainly do. On the road, it’s hard to get in the game sometimes when the whole crowd is against you but sometimes it gets you going. It’s hard to say.
OHLTG: How do you deal with different fans around the league? Some rinks are far more vocal and in-your-face than others. Do you have the same attitude no matter what or how does that work?
AP: Well, it depends in the mood I’m in, I guess. I could try to fight them like in Saginaw or just a little chirp back and forth between us. It all depends on the day I guess *laughs*
OHLTG: Has there been anyone you fought whose toughness has surprised you?
AP: The majority of the guys I have fought have had a reputation. Some have lived up to it and some haven’t.
OHLTG: If you weren’t involved in hockey, what would you see yourself doing?
AP: I’d be going into business of some sort, but it’s tough to say because there is so much out there.
OHLTG: What relation, if any, are you to former NHL tough guy Mike Peluso? Do you find there’s any pressure to live up to the name as a tough guy?
AP: I think I’m way down the tree in cousins like 4th or 5th. I don’t really feel any pressure to live up to him
OHLTG: How do you compare Erie with the Sault? They seem like two completely different hockey markets.
AP: Well, the Soo is more of a hockey town all-the-time, while Erie is when football is done. They’re both great places to play and I can’t say I dislike either one.
OHLTG: Give us your reaction to the following names - Luke Gazdic, Richard Greenop, Michael Haley.
AP: Gazdic is a beauty.
Greenop and I have our rivalry.
Haley was a good fighter.
OHLTG: What can you tell us about the rookie camp/tournament with St Louis? Did anyone give you any pointers on your game, specifically fighting?
AP: Not really. Everyone kind of keeps to themselves up there.
OHLTG: Other than the Memorial Cup, what’s your goal this season?
AP: I just want to continue to improve. It’s a pretty well-rounded goal.
OHLTG: Has St Louis given you any indication about what’s happening next year or that an off-season thing?
AP: Not really. You hear little bits and pieces of feedback once in a while, but that’s all.
OHLTG: What arena have you enjoyed the most? Do you have any crazy stories that haven’t been made public that you can share?
AP: I like playing in London. The rink is unbelievable and its just fun to play there.
OHLTG: Who has been your favourite coach and why?
AP: My favourite coach was in minor midget because he basically let me do whatever I wanted.
OHLTG: If there was one OHL rule you could change, what would it be and why?
AP: The rule of instigator with five minutes or less to go with a three-goal differential getting you a two game suspension… that’s bogus.
OHLTG: What are your thoughts on the instigator rule in general? It’s a pretty hot topic amongst fight fans.
AP: There has to be some penalty for jumping someone or people would do it constantly.
OHLTG: If you could get your hands on one guy in the NHL right now, who and why?
AP: I have no idea.
OHLTG: If you could get your hands on anyone, PERIOD, who and why?
AP: Kyle Neuber. If anyone was at the game against St Mike’s in the Soo, you would certainly no why. Too bad he wouldn’t fight me again for some reason.
OHL Tough Guys thanks Anthony for his time. It’s always appreciated. Good luck this season!!
Filed under: T2T Interviews by Dave Jewell Date 30 December, 2008
