Gem City Aviators - Gary Khacharian Interview
 

- What was your initial reaction to being drafted by the Aviators? where they your first choice?

Hmm well...as soon I was drafted by the Aviators, I was a bit disappointed knowing Cole was on the team. You see...Cole and I don't get along really well, but I guess I'm stuck with him so I better make the best of it. I didn't really have a first choice team really, I was just happy to be drafted and hopefully do some good for whatever team I was drafted by.

-What kind of style do you play? you are one of the smaller players on the team. You have been in 2 fights in the camp so far.

I've grown accustomed to getting into some scrappy fights. Bigger and bulkier players tend to pick on me and I usually retaliate in a disorderly manner and end up fighting and getting the crap beaten out of me,...but I guess anything that doesn't kill me, makes me stronger right? ...but when I'm not getting my ass whooped by goons, I like to stick to my style and be as much as a playmaker as I can be. I may be small...but I will get in front of that net and l look for tips, and set up screens and what not. I'm also a bit of finesse player which gets me in more trouble then not, i.e., turning the puck over and trying to rush back and disrupt an odd man rush. I'm usually looking to shoot, but will always pass when I don't have an angle, or see an open man ready to unleash a one timer, I try anything in my power to help my team win.

- you are the second smallest player on the team. The team has 2 players over 6'2"(Dave Weiland 6'5" & Shawn Mayzes 6'7") do you feel any extra pressure with the lack of size?

No, not all...what I lack in size, I add in grit, heart and determination. If I kept focussing on how small I am and worrying about it, I would lose focus and wouldn't have my head in the game. I feel I'm this size for a reason, and I'm going to use it to my advantage as much I can.

- do you have any idols in the DMSL? players you look up to?

Idols...umm, no, can't say that I do. To be completely honest, I don't know 90% of the players in the league...so get back to me on that question after this season. But some players I do look up to would be Cole, though I hate the guy, he uses this size very effectively. Watching him in training camp, has thought me a few things about the game and what not. I guess I look up to my team as a whole.

- Is there anything the coaches have told you to improve on? or anything you feel you want to improve?

The coaches are sort of hard asses around here which is a good thing, they want the job done, and they want it done right. Seth has come up to me a few times, but he has nothing to say but good things about me, so I guess I'm doing something right. I personally think my main flaw is making turnovers, I'm trying to improve on that and will hopefully get better as times goes by.

- How ready are you for this season? there are reports from other teams of players being out of shape and using the training camp as a mode to get in shape. Are you out of shape, and are any team mates out of shape too?

I'm as ready as can be, I've been working out regularly obviously, had a great training camp, in shape and ready to battle. My game has gotten stronger as the days are going by. I can't say much for other teams, but this team is pumped and ready to go. Everybody has been looking great and I can't say better things about this squad. I'm just happy to be a part of this team.

-You've developed a small cult following with your fights in camp. How does that make you feel, as you have a group of fans who dub themselves the "khacherian's" seems to be a spin off of of the cult "Branch Davidians"

(laugh) Anything I can do the for the team I guess. I just don't take crap from anybody, and I don't always look for aid when I need it, I pick my own fights and usually lose, but everybody needs hockey scars...right?....the "khacherians" are great. I am very flattered I guess you can say.