Mike Eagles is an amazing hockey player. He had a long 15 year NHL career and his best goal scoring season was 13 with Quebec in 1987. Four seasons he scored only one goal and in 1990-91 he failed to score. I don't point this out to embarrass or minimize Mike Eagles' career, but to salute his prowess as a defensive star. Mike was always checking the best players; he was a penalty killing star. Coaches used him to shake the team up when they started sleepwalking. Mike Eagles, the Sussex, New Brunswick native, played with such undeniable passion that coaches used his hustle and drive as a measuring quotient for team stars and for everyone to elevate their game.
Q: How would you describe Mike Eagles, the hockey player?
Eagles: I feel I had character and would describe myself as a defensive forward that was gritty, loved to check, kill penalties, and contribute in some way that would help the team.
Q: 15 NHL Hockey seasons what is your fondest memory?
There is no doubt that it was playing for Washington against Detroit in the 1998 Stanley Cup Final. The powerful Red Wings swept the series but it was much closer than it appeared. After losing the first two games in Detroit we were leading 4-2 in the third at home and we missed a wide open net and the Wings rallied to win 5-4 in overtime.
Q: What person or persons had the biggest impact on your career?
There is no doubt Michel Bergeron, my coach in Quebec City. He shifted me to left wing and gave me a chance to play. Bergeron used me in every situation. But probably he established me so I could display my utility man talents. Wherever I play, if Michel was in town, I make a point to see him.
Note: Michel is color commentator on all Radio Canada broadcasts of the Montreal Canadien games.
Q: Who would you name as the best player you ever played with?
There is no doubt that the great Slovak star Peter Stastny was the best. He was like a Peter Forsberg very big, incredibly strong, skilled and had no fear of anyone or anything. Selanne and Michel Goulet were great but to me, Peter Stastny was the complete package. His teammates marveled at his intelligence and athletic savvy.
Q: If you were to select one of today's players to start your new franchise, who would you pick?
Peter Forsberg is the man—he is a modern day Peter Stastny only more skilled. I played against Forsberg many times. I had to check him and his strength and desire were unparalleled. Even Don Cherry had to back track on his theory that Swedes were gutless.
Q: Do you have any suggestions that you would implement to make hockey better?
Yes, I would like to see minor coaches, if they insist that kids hit, then teach them how to hit properly. A player should be taught to hit with his shoulder into the chest not with the hands and stick under the chin. That tactic causes concussions and if they don't police the coaches and the kids there are going to be fatalities.
Note: Mike Eagles has retired to live in Fredericton back in his beloved New Brunswick where he can raise his children and be near his friends and family. He also wants to coach junior hockey and I feel he would be a great Junior Coach.
