Preflight Briefing- Mike Christensen

Despite missing 12 games this season due to injury, Brooklyn Aces center Mike Christensen is still ranked fourth in the EPHL with 25 goals. Often regarded as one of the top two-way players in the league, playing in every game situation, Christensen has also proved that there’s a lot more to his game than his offensive ability. Over the 12 games he was out of the lineup, the Aces learned that the hard way and were unable to find a player as versatile as Christensen to fill the void.

Now healthy and back in the lineup, Christensen has wasted no time picking up where he left off, scoring two goals in his first game back on Thursday against the Hudson Valley Bears.

In this interview done before his first game last Thursday, Christensen talks about his road back to the ice and what he wants to accomplish the rest of the season.

Aces Over Brooklyn- How does it feel to be back in the lineup after being out for almost a month?

Mike Christensen- It feels great. It’s never fun to sit and watch, especially when you’re injured, but I’m excited to be back. It was tough, but now I’m looking forward to tonight and the rest of the season. We’ll see how it all goes.

AOB- Over the past month, you’ve shown a lot of emotion in the stands. Let’s face it, you’re a nice guy that players on the other side of the ice respect. But over the past month, you’ve looked extremely angry and have even thrown Gatorade bottles in the press box when the Aces have given up bad goals. Was it that hard for you not to be on the ice?

Christensen- [Laughing] Sometimes, it’s hard to control your intensity, especially when you’ve seen the last ten games your team has played and your that close to coming back. I’ve always had that type of intensity and sometimes it just builds up and comes out in loud ways I guess.

AOB- You’ve shown a ton of chemistry with Chris Holmes this season, have they told you that you’re going to be back on a line with him?

Christensen- I’m sure Holmes and I will remain as linemates. That’s how we’ve practiced all week. Funny thing about Holmsie is before the season started, he was the last person I ever thought I’d be on the same line with. I didn’t think we’d be compatible. Today, during practice, I was joking around with him and I told him that I don’t even have to look for him anymore; I know where he’s going to be. If I get a feeling, I can toss the puck and he’ll be there to get it.

AOB- Why do you think he’d be the last person you’d be compatible with?

Christensen- Because he’s such a skilled player. He’s played pro hockey before and I was intimidated by it and his ability. Before you even watch him play, he just has this attitude that he’s a good player, which he absolutely is. I just wasn’t sure if I could live up to his expectations of what a good linemate was supposed to be. Because of that, I was really nervous to play with him at first.

AOB- Before your injury, your coach often referred to you as one of the best two-way players in the league. I like to take it a step further and say that at the time of your injury, you were well on your way to being the best pure goal scorer in the league. Because of all the different things you can do on the ice, where do you see yourself fitting in over the last stretch of the season?

Christensen- More than anything, I want us to win eight or nine of the last ten games and get back to that. If something were to happen with me where I got in a slump and wasn’t able to produce offensively, I would just want us to win. This home stretch and getting back on track is so much more important than anyone’s numbers.

Photos by Ron Hatcher and Patrick Hickey Jr.

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