Toe-to-Toe with Sir Greenop
There’s little question - Richard Greenop has become one of the most popular names around the OHL over the last two seasons.
A mid-round pick by the Spitfires in 2005, Greenop made a name for himself at last years rookie camp and hasn’t stopped since.
OHL Tough Guys talked to him this week about his nicknames, Chicago, and what it’s like playing in front of the crazy Windsor fans. Sit back, grab some OJ, and watch as Greenop and I go toe-to-toe:
OHLTG: Now that you’re almost two seasons into your OHL career, what do you look back most fondly on?
Richard Greenop: I’d have to say the guys. We’ve had great chemistry in the room for my past 2 years and it’s been a good experience.
OHLTG: When Windsor drafted you, what, if anything, did you know about the team/city?
RG: *laughs* I didn’t know anything to be honest. I was sitting in my basement and thought I might have already gone, so I was a little miserable. Then my dad yelled out Windsor so I was pretty pumped. All I really wanted to know was how far it was from home *laughs*
OHLTG: There’s a YouTube video featuring Oshawa and St Michaels in a good ol’ fashion brawl.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=5765125044492609594&q=jr.a+hockey+fight
What do you remember about that?
RG: *laughs* It was hilarious. We were getting whacked that game and then it was a 5-on-3 for St Michael’s and one of their defencemen ran after one of our smallest guys, a buddy of mine, Cody Heely. He is a tough boy, too. He had 2 guys behind the net just dragging them so the coach kind of gave an eye. Since I have never played a game in that league since, it was a nice way out.
OHLTG: Coming into your rookie year with the Spits, few knew much about you. The fighting focus was on a kid named Trea Higgins the Spitfires had drafted. The newspaper said afterwards that you challenged Higgins, but were turned down. Did you go into the rookie camp looking to make an impression or did that just happen?
RG: I had a full season in OPJHL (Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League) and I didn’t play much as an under-age cause they were only aloud two 16 year olds. I ended up fighting the most out of anyone the team. I figured that’s how I was going end up making Windsor.
OHLTG: Did you set any goals for your first year, either fighting or any area at all?
RG: I really didn’t set anything. I was going to take it as a learning experience as a rookie then see how the years to come would roll out.
OHLTG: Were you happy with how your first year turned out?
RG: I was really happy. I had 19 regular season fights and then put up some points so I was happy. I wish we could have won a few more games but it set our team up with some good picks and we are doing well this year.
OHLTG: It’s no secret the fans in Windsor love a good tilt. How has that affected your game?
RG: It doesn’t really affect my game, but it pumps me up a lot, though!
OHLTG: Did you think, before you came here, you’d become as popular amongst fans, both in Windsor and around the league, as you have (being nicknamed “Sir” and being dubbed “the next mayor of Windsor”, for instance)?
RG: *laughs* I don’t know how the mayor thing came along. I remember the first couple of weeks in assistant coach D.J. Smith was calling me “Sir Richard Greenop.” Then it just got cut down to Sir. I think I was originally called doctor for some reason?
OHLTG: What attitude did you come into last season with and, if it changed, how did it change over the course of the season?
RG: I just came in to learn, work hard, and play my role. I don’t try to be anything I’m not and it’s the same with this year. I just earn what I get, work hard, play the crash-and-bang kind of game
OHLTG: I’m going to name a half a dozen players. Tell me what comes to mind when you read them:
RG: Brandon Mashinter - He should fight more.
Jordan Shine - Goodnight!
Ryan Baldwin - *laughs* Reel ‘em in Baldy
Bobby Davey - He’s just a beauty - loves a good 5 minutes.
Luke Gazdic - I’ve only got to fight him once, but he’s an all-around player.
Anthony Peluso - The guy has a big reach.
OHLTG: This season, there were plenty of rumours you might be on your way to a team like Oshawa or London. How did you deal with those and did they affect your play at all?
RG: No, it didn’t effect me because I never heard any of them *laughs*
OHLTG: It must have been a shock when teammate and buddy Ryan Baldwin was dealt to Oshawa. Tell me what went through your head when you found out and afterwards.
RG: Ryan and I kind of figured they wouldn’t keep both of us, but I don’t know. I think my family was more pumped to have him go to Oshawa so they could watch him play *laughs*
OHLTG: Now that you’ve had a chance to get used to the league for a year-and-a-half, what misconception about the league do you think youngsters have? What’s the truth about that misconception?
RG: I think the misconception would be the initiation and stuff because there isn’t anymore of that.
OHLTG: You’ve got the luxury of being coached by two former NHL tough guys in Bob Boughner and D.J. Smith. Have they helped you in the fighting department and, if so, how?
RG: D.J. has helped me a ton. Pretty much everything I have learned has been from experience and little tips from D.J.
OHLTG: Tell us about the experience of the NHL rookie camp with Chicago.
RG: It was unreal! The summer one I fought a guy named Brendan Turner. He’s a big kid. The camp went really well and I played some good hockey too. The main camp was fun; I was out there for a week.
OHLTG: What has Chicago said since then about your development, both as a player and a tough guy? What areas are you okay in and what needs improving?
RG: They just think that I should focus on the game more. They know I can fight and what I can do. They want to see my skating improve.
OHLTG: If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be and why?
RG: I think I would have done more power skating and skills things instead of worrying about boxing and weights all the time.
OHLTG: On the same note, if you had the chance to re-live anything to this point in your hockey career for any reason, what would it be and why?
RG: I think it would be the draft day. It was just fun. I had all my family at a restaurant/bar I used to work at when I was younger, and just had a good day.
OHLTG: Hypothetically speaking, if Chicago hadn’t drafted you, which NHL team would be your first choice and why?
RG: I’d have to say Toronto or Ottawa just because those are the teams I used to always watch.
OHLTG: Some people have called you one-dimensional, saying all you can do is fight. How do you respond to those people?
RG: *laughs* I don’t care. They can believe what they want.
OHLTG: When kids move away from home at 16 or 17, they tend to feel homesick. You seem to have great family support, though. How big has your family been to this point?
RG: It’s been really big. My dad is out here every weekend he can and it helps a ton. He’s an unreal supporter in my life. My step dad, mom, and little brother watch every game at home. I always get into my car after a game with a text or a call from them wanting to know how I was feeling after the game and stuff, so it’s really good.
OHLTG: What expectations are you putting on yourself as this season comes down the stretch?
RG: Not too much. I’m not sure what to expect.
OHLTG: What about expectations for the next year or two when you finish up your OHL career?
RG: I don’t really have expectations. It’s more of whatever happens, happens.
OHLTG: Being in the “O” is tough work and means staying in shape. What do you do to make sure that you are in top physical form at all times?
RG: Well, I’m in the gym all the time out here. Conor O’Donnell and I are in the gym every night or day we don’t have a game, so I’m always going.
OHLTG: This last question we ask to everyone – hypothetically speaking, if you could get your hands on anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
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RG: I’d have to say (Justin) Soryal. I have never fought him before.
OHLTG wants to thank Greenop for his time. All the best to him the rest of the season.
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