An Interview with Stephen Harper

By John Burd

I had a chance to sit down with one of the newest members of the Niagara IceDogs, Stephen Harper, and was able to pick his brain about his ambitions, what it was like being traded, and which teammate he believes would win an eating contest. 

I’m just going to throw a couple softballs at you first, do you have a nickname on the team?

I think it’s ‘Harps’. It’s pretty standard considering my last name but i’ve pretty much had that my whole career. It’s pretty simple.

Who was your favourite athlete growing up? It doesn’t necessarily have to be hockey related.

That’s a good question, I was always a Mats Sundin fan growing up. I think just watching the Leafs and how he was a leader there. I also like the way Evander Kane plays you know, he scores his goals and has some grit. 

So i’m guessing you’re a Leafs fan?

Yeah, I still cheer for them even though they’re not the greatest.

What do you think about the Phaneuf trade? 

Uh, good for both teams I guess. It’s weird he goes to a rival like Ottawa but at the same time it’s part of the plan, it’s part of the process that the Leafs are going through so i’m not surprised. 

What would you say the biggest accomplishment of your hockey career has been so far?

That’s a good one, I think being drafted first round into the OHL was pretty big for me. It was a pretty proud moment in my life. I’ve had other good ones too but I think that one kind of sticks out. 

So how have you been adjusting to the team since the trade? I know you struggled for your first six games and then in your last eight games you have eight points, do you think it just took some time to adjust?

I couldn’t tell you, I wasn’t used to not scoring for that long but I guess any time you get to a new city and new teammates and new systems it could be tough at times, you know. I would have liked to start off better but I just started feeling more comfortable and hopefully the points continue to keep coming now. 

So how did you feel about the trade? Did you know it was coming and what was your initial reaction to it?

I think I knew for about a month that something was going to happen. I didn’t know when it was going to happen, whether it was going to be close to the deadline or more in December, but I knew something was going on eventually and I kind of had to brace myself for it. I was ready for it I just didn’t know where I was going at the time. I thought it was going to be a week earlier so I was kind of stressing out for a week about what was going on and my parents were too but when it happened I was sort of relieved. Now i’m just happy to be here. 

How did it feel going back to Hamilton and playing against your old team? Were there some hard feelings there or were you fine with it?

I was fine with it. I think playing in Niagara for the first game [against Hamiltom] was better for me you know. I didn’t really think as much since i’ve already played them before. I think if that were my first game in that rink it would have been different just having so many good memories there in such a short period of time. So there wasn’t too much thinking out there. Once the puck drops you’ve got to play hockey so you try to put all that behind you.

I know this is your final season in the OHL, is there anything you hope to accomplish?

I want to win a championship first and foremost. I’ve only played four playoff games in four years which is kind of sad [chuckles]. I haven’t been on the best teams but I think that would be the biggest thing for me, then my personal goals will follow after.

What are your plans for next year or the next few years?

Well I think everyones first plan is obviously to make it to the NHL. You know, that is the goal I think every hockey player aspires but if that doesn’t work out you have to worry about your education and then start to get that going.

What is the best advice you’e been given in your career and who gave it to you?

That’s a good question, i’ve heard a lot of good advice over the years but I think my dad gives me good advice all the time. Through good times and bad times I think he just keeps saying stick with it, you’re going to have tough nights on the ice and away from the rink and stuff like that but, you know, there is going to be a brighter day on the other side and you’re going to wake up tomorrow and it’s going to be a new day so if you’re sticking with things and staying consistent good things will happen, you’ll be happy. 

Alright. So i’m going to step away from the serious questions right now and just throw a couple light ones at you.

[Chuckles] alright. 

If your team were in an eating contest, whichever food, who do you think would win? Who would just clean up?

Oh jeez, i’ve got to go with [Ryan] Mantha. He’s the biggest guy on the team and he seems like he could put it back.

You’re stuck on an island and can bring four things with you, what are they going to be? Aside from the obvious ‘a boat so I could escape’.

I would have to bring some food probably, i’m going to say my PS4 to entertain me with a TV, and maybe a cell phone so I could call someone eventually to get me out of there [laughs]. 

Do you have a celebrity crush? 

I like to girl from ‘Focus’ but I can’t remember her name. 

Margot Robbie?

Yeah, she’s pretty good looking so i’ll say her. 

Batman or Superman?

Oh that’s a good one, i’m going to go with batman.

Alright. Now i’m going to read out six words and I just want you to tell me the first thing that pops into your head.

[Laughs] oh jeez. Okay. 

Workout

Hard

Television 

Simpsons

Hockey

Passion

Sleep

Love it

Valentines Day

Girlfriend

Teammate

Brothers

At this point I let Stephen go as the team was preparing to leave for practice. While I was coming up with that last question I was hoping I would be able to give readers a quick look at who Stephen is without having to ask a hundred tough questions. I think this fun little skit did the trick and can tell quite a bit about someones character. Throughout our conversation it was no surprise to me that he was named captain of the Hamilton Bulldogs in his time there. He’s passionate about the game he plays and is willing to put in the necessary work to be a successful athlete while also developing strong relationships with those he shares a locker room with.

Plus, who doesn’t love some extra sleep?