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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE MODANO Tuesday, June 15, 1999 The 29-year-old Dallas Star forward, who is in his second Stanley Cup Final after appearing in the 1991 Finals with the Minnesota North Stars, talks about his minor hockey and junior hockey memories, as well as his most memorable game in the NHL. A 10-year NHL veteran and the first overall pick in the 1988 Entry Draft, Modano also relates the weirdest thing he’s seen in hockey and his most embarrassing moment as an NHLer. Superstitions: None really. I don’t really stick to any plan or regiment. It’s just kind of whatever happens, happens. I really don’t get into it like some guys do. Favorite NHL Uniform: The Canadiens. Favorite Arena: The old Chicago Stadium. Greatest playoff game you've ever seen: Probably the Capitals-Islanders quadruple overtime game or the one we played against Edmonton in triple overtime this year. Other than Wayne Gretzky, who is the consummate playoff performer? Mario Lemieux. Fondest playoff memory: Right now and back in ’91 (Stanley Cup Finals). Most Memorable Game: Probably my first one ever. Minor Hockey Memories: Winning the Mac’s tournament in Calgary. Junior Hockey Memories: The All-Star Games in juniors. Toughest Team To Play: New Jersey when they won the Cup. Fiercest Foe: I’d say a different guy every night! How long was it before you could confidently call yourself an NHLer? I’d say once we moved down to Dallas. Who impresses you the most in today’s league? Mainly the Europeans... Jagr, Forsberg, Zubov. Players like that. Who impressed you the most when you broke into the league? Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis. Who was your hockey hero? Darryl Sittler. If you could play with any current or former NHLer, who would it be? Mario Lemieux. If you could interview one hockey player, who would it be? What would you ask? Gordie Howe. I’d just ask him how he was able to put up those numbers in that era, I’d ask about the equipment, how the game was, and how everything’s changed over the years. What’s the greatest asset you bring to the rink? Making sure we’re having fun. What quality do you admire most in a teammate? Reliability. Favourite Teammate of all time: Stew Gavin. Biggest Prankster You’ve Played With: Stew Gavin. The weirdest thing you’ve seen in hockey: I think those nights they have giveaways for water bottles and things and ours all ended up on the ice. The most embarrassing moment: Probably in the playoffs a few years ago when my hockey pants were sliding down my legs. Best Hockey Advice You’ve Received: Just enjoy the times you’re playing. Biggest Hockey Influence: Neal Broten. First Job: Lumber mill. If You Weren’t Playing Hockey You’d Be...: Probably in Mexico, maybe charter fishing. What would you like to do after hockey: Play golf. Favorite Hobby: Travelling. When you think of your hometown of Livonia, Michigan, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Car dealerships. Every teenager can easily stray from his desired course. Who kept you straight? My parents.