Former Spartans icer shines with Penguins

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The State News recently caught up with professional hockey player Adam Hall. The Pittsburgh Penguins forward and MSU alumnus saw his team fall to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals last week in a matchup that ignited an internal conflict for the Kalamazoo native. Hall came up big in the six-game series against Detroit, scoring two goals — including the game-winner in Game 3.

The State News What are your plans for the summer?

Adam Hall I’m going to take some time off from skating to recover from the long playoff run. Then it will be back to workouts, but I’m able to do that anywhere that has the proper equipment. I’ll probably be back in Michigan for a little while.

SN Being from Michigan, what was it like playing against Detroit in the finals?

AH It was nice because a lot of my family and friends were able to come out to the Detroit games. Obviously, it was very disappointing to lose the series but it was an amazing experience. I think it will make us hungrier next season.

SN You had a pretty intense beard later in the playoffs, how did that work out for you?

AH It went pretty well. Most guys have their last shave at the end of April and let it grow until they are eliminated from the playoffs. You get used to having one and don’t even notice it. But it was really funny when everyone finally shaved because we all looked about 10 years younger and 20 pounds lighter.

SN What’s it like playing on a team that is so young and has so much talent?

AH It’s a lot of fun. We have a great locker room and we are always laughing and having a good time. Some of the guys are so talented that it’s just fun to watch. Even practices are fun because these guys are just so good.

SN What’s it like playing during “whiteouts” at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh?

AH It’s a fun place to play. We have some of the craziest fans in the league and they are very loud and boisterous. It got so loud in the playoffs that the referees had to blow the whistle several times to get the play to stop. At times it becomes impossible to hear anything on the ice.

SN What’s your favorite memory from MSU?

AH I’ve got a couple. The first is playing in the Cold War because it was such a huge event. I couldn’t believe how loud it was when we walked out of the tunnel.

Setting the world record and seeing all the people that came to watch the game was a very cool experience. Also, beating Michigan at the CCHA Championship at Joe Louis Arena was great. We were able to skate around the ice with the trophy to celebrate the win.

SN How does the Cold War compare to playing in the 2008 NHL Winter Classic in Buffalo?

AH The outdoor game was a different atmosphere. There weren’t as many people as the Cold War, but it was a great experience.

It was snowing the whole time and it was a very picturesque setting for the fans. A lot of us grew up playing hockey on ponds and it took us back to those days.

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