Q & A: Jon Mirasty

[Humpzilla]

Here, my friends, is an interview that I conducted with LNAH toughguy, Jon Mirasty.

Much thanks & appreciation goes out to Jon for doing this interview.

Also, I'd especially like to thank Jon Porus (Merlin401) for taking some time out of his day to help us in the editing process.

Well, enjoy!


Question: When growing up was there ever a particular hockey player who influenced you into wanting to get into hockey?

Answer: No, but growing up in a family that lived the hockey life and having older cousins like Leon Delorme and Carlin Nordstrom, it just came naturally to play the game.


Q: Has there ever been an enforcer that you wanted to mirror your fighting style after? If so, who?

A: I grew up wanting to be a good player but as I became more of a gritty player I liked guys like Gino Odjick and Chris Simon because they were Native players. I also respect Tie Domi a lot due to his stature and what he's accomplished.


Q: You started boxing at the age of thirteen, and after five years you became a golden gloves champion. How has that skill helped you with your role as an enforcer?

A: My dad put me in boxing to keep me out of trouble and to be able to protect myself. In the long run it gave me the skills to avoid and take punches correctly, it also was just a great experience and I met a lot of good people.


Q: Seeing that your initial reason for pursuing boxing was out of your father's desire for you to defend yourself - what does your Father think about your role as an "Enforcer", a person in charge of protecting his teammates?

A: Growing up my father wanted me to score goals but as I got into Juniors I was pretty good at the physical play and from there he just wanted me to be the best I could possibly be at whatever role I took.


Q: What influence have your parents had on your hockey career?

A: If it wasn’t for my dad I would not have done anything in hockey. He’s been the one supporting me and pushing me to be the best that I could be. I couldn’t ask for a better dad.


Q: Which coach has been able to help you the most in your progression of a player?

A: Marty Raymond helped me quite a bit my rookie year and is still a good friend.


Q: What was it like to fighting Derek Boogaard five times, someone who is a full 9 inches taller than you?

A: I would rather fight guys bigger than me than a guy my size, because guys like me have things to prove. Derek has done a great job and has proven himself as a great fighter at the top level. Fighting guys that are taller than me makes me more nervous yet gives me more adrenaline which makes me fight better. I do best when all odds are against me.


Q: During your first season in the ECHL, you had 358 PIMs in 56 Games. How important is it to establish yourself as a tough guy when entering a new league?

A: I came in as a young guy who nobody knew so if I wanted to make an impact I had to take on everybody and try open some eyes. If you want to make a name for yourself you have to establish yourself.


Q: During the 03-04 season in the ECHL, you fought many notable fighters including Mike Sgroi, Steve MacIntyre, and Josh Gratton. What was your favorite or most memorable battles from this year?

A: I enjoyed fighting Steve MacIntyre because I fought him in the Prince Albert Raiders inter squad game and he was also my roommate so it made things interesting.


Q: Specifically, what was it like battling Ken Tasker, someone who's considered a legend? Also, have you ever seen his toe-to-toe fight against Trevor Senn?

A: Actually we had words in warm ups and he just kept telling me "I was a kid and he was going to kill me". I just laughed and told him I would go with him anytime and obviously he knew who I was because he was coming to me and not the other way around. First shift of the game we went which was a pretty decent fight. I thought it was funny because I was fighting a guy who I used to watch fight my older cousin Leon on his fight tapes when I was like 12 or 13. As for his fight between him and Senn, a great fight between two really tough men.


Q: Considering how often players drop the gloves in the LNAH, what are some of the different ways players deal with chronic and fight related injuries?

A: I have been fortunate to not have many injuries but I give a lot of respect to the guys who can overcome their injuries and still battle day in and day out.


Q: One such injury you probably wish to forget is a knock out you suffered at the hands of Sebastien Cyr, ending your first stint in the LNAH. Give us your thoughts on this fight and was it the first time you were knocked out in your career?

A: This fight did not end my stint. I already planned on leaving to Danbury far before this incident happened. I was not happy with the way the owners operated. I feel that I did not get knocked out but I did get dropped and as a result in the fall I broke my ankle and it enabled me to stand back up and fight. In the penalty box I did not know of the severity of my ankle and was waiting to get back on the ice to redeem myself but Cyr left the game, so I went to the dressing room. I always told myself I would be back to fight him again.


Q: Since the 2004-05 season, the LNAH has changed their roster size policy from 20 skaters, to the current 18. How do you think this has affected the game, and has it been a positive change?

A: I feel that it allows hockey to be played better because it forces a team to have less goons, yet, the fights will always happen.


Q: You have played on and off in the LNAH for 2 years now. Who would you say are some of the guys you feel are the toughest and most respected fighters in the league?

A: I respect all guys that do what I do because it is not easy. Dean Mayrand is one of many guys I respect.


Q: You've also spent some time recently in the UHL with the Danbury Trashers. How would you describe your time spent with the team and the fans of the Trashers?

A: The fans were great supporters and the owners were like family but with the new coach (Paul Gillis) was a joke. I loved playing with Brad Wingfield who became a great friend which made it hard for me to leave. In terms of the fans, 'Section 102' makes it a great atmosphere to play in, and I am sure the opposing team hates playing there. But overall, I chose to leave because I was offered a lot of money and I also had unfinished business in the LNAH.


Q: How did you first start becoming friends with Brad Wingfield? Did you guy's ever drop the gloves and go at it during practice?

A: When I first got to Danbury, Brad and I didn’t see eye to eye but as time passed we became good friends as did his wife and my girlfriend. We never fought before but maybe in the future my son Triston and Brad’s son Jacob will entertain fight fans.


Q: Do you have any favorite Brad Wingfield stories that you could share with us that occurred during your time spent in Danbury?

A: There is a lot of stories but I don’t feel right sharing them. I could probably write a book on them!!


Q: During your first year on Danbury, you had the following players as teammates: Mario Larocque, Brad Wingfield, Rumun Ndur, Gerry Hickey, Francis Belanger, Stephen Peat, Garrett Burnett, Frank Bialowas and Chad Wagner. When considering how many legitmately tough players were in the lineup with you on a nightly basis, how, if so, did it alter your role as a player on the team?

A: It did not affect my role at all. Some of those players only played a handful of games and some did not enjoy fighting. With Wingfield’s injury a lot of the duties were left to me.


Q: What was it like going from the Bakersfield Condors, where you had the bulk of the enforcing duties, to a team like the Danbury Trashers filled with tough fighters? When comparing both experience's, how did your mentality and role change going into a game?

A: Playing in Danbury was fun because of the toughness in the line-up but was frustrating because a lot of teams wanted nothing to do with us. In Bakersfield I was alone so I knew I had a job to do.


Q: What are your thoughts on Blue Bennefield?

A: Bennefield is a good player who likes to chirp. He is one of those guys that wants to get under your skin.


Q: What are your thoughts on Matt Goody?

A: He kind of reminded me of Josh Gratton who I think is a great fighter. Josh and I had a great fight when I was in Bakersfield and he was in San Diego.


Q: Earlier this season you broke your hand in a fight with Louis Bedard. One night later you decided to drop the gloves with Maxwell and before you guys fought you took the tape off your broken hand. What was your reasoning for fighting with the broken hand?

A: With Mayrand out of the line-up and the other team thinking I was out the coaching staff thought it was a good idea I dress. My first shift on the ice, Maxwell challenged me so I accepted. I only respect Louis Bedard on that team.


Q: You've played in both the LNAH, UHL and ECHL. How would you compare the level of toughness between the three?

A: In the LNAH it has by far the most willing but a lot of the fighters could not play in the ECHL. In the ECHL there are many notable fighters but usually one per team.


Q: During your career, has there been any fighters as teammates who have given you some key pointers about fighting and enforcing?

A: Dean Mayrand and I exchanged advice as teammates on past experiences to help with future fights.


Q: When going from the ECHL to the UHL to the LNAH, did you ever have to alter your fighting style?

A: No, as I get older I may become more experienced and change a little but I always want to be an open and entertaining fighter.


Q: What would you say has been the wildest game you've been apart of during your career?

A: There have been a few games but what comes to mind are the brawls against St. Hyacinthe and Laval. Also, the incident in Danbury vs. Adirondack when we went after their bench and Wagner went after the well respected and memorable late Coach Potvin.


Q: With all due respect to Chad Wagner, what were your thoughts on his actions during that February, 2006 game against Adirondack?

A: Chad is a great guy. On and off the ice are two different things. I thought it was just good old fashion hockey which I thought was fun. No one was seriously hurt. Now that I have some experience in the LNAH, that night wasn’t that bad after all.


Q: In your opinion, do you think Wagner's UHL league banishment was fair?

A: I feel that the suspension got carried away a bit, but I am pretty sure Chad doesn’t care because he has a new career now; and if anything, he just laughs at the memory of being banned from the UHL.


Q: On Hockeyfights.com you were voted the best fighter in the LNAH this season. In your opinion, who would you consider the best fighter in the LNAH this season?

A: That is nice to hear but I think there a few guys that deserve that reputation. As for the guy that I think is the toughest in the LNAH, it would have to be Patrick Cote just due to his past. Unfortunately he had a bad year due to injuries. Hopefully I get a shot to fight him in the near future. Also, Dean Mayrand can dominate when he’s on top of his game.


Q: Your teammate Dean Mayrand won the very first "Battle of the Hockey Enforcers" last summer. In the future, do you think you'd ever be interested in competing in an event such as this? Also, do you think you could win the tournament with the wide-open style you possess?

A: I probably would enter it. But I would train hard so I wouldn’t have any excuses. And in terms of winning it - if I wanted it bad enough, I would sure give it a shot.


Q: If you don't mind telling us, who would you say do you respect the least in the LNAH at the moment?

A: I don’t respect the guys who jump players and fight anybody just to get majors and PIMS. Tough guys should just fight tough guys.


Q: You're known for smiling at your opponents while fighting. Is this something you do in attempt to get into their head?

A: No, it just comes naturally because I enjoy what I do.


Q: What would you say has been your favorite player rivalry over the six years you've played hockey?

A: I would have to say Sebastien Cyr and I, just because of the history between us. I got the upper hand now.


Q: By the sounds of things, you and Sebastien Cyr have quite the rivalry going. What fuels it?

A: I think I put that fire out.


Q: You've had a few toe to toe wars against Jacques Dube this year. Please talk about those fights and give us your thoughts on Dube.

A: Dube has came a long way from what I have heard. I give him props to what he has accomplished and I hope to fight him again.


Q: In today's NHL, do you have a favorite fighter? Why or why not?

A: Not really, I just like seeing younger guys like Derek Boogaard and Josh Gratton making a name for themselves.


Q: Also, have you watched much of the "new" NHL? If so, do you like it?

A: Good hockey, but it would be more entertaining with more fights.


Q: So far you've spent two seasons in Sorel-Tracy. Do you think you'll be able to return to play for them next year?

A: I am not sure as of right now but I am sure something will be figured out soon.


Q: Now that you’ve gotten older, have you found yourself being more a leader in the locker room?

A: The older I get I am more comfortable to speak my mind and just want my teammates to know I am there to back them up.


Q: Who has been the most influential person on your hockey career to date?

A: No question, MY DAD!! I also have my son Triston who gives me fuel to succeed at whatever I do.


Q: What are your goals going forward as a fighter?

A: I want to be one of the best, which is what any fighter wants. I am not sure what my future holds for hockey but I met a lot of great friends and have no regrets.

[Captain Crunch28]

Awesome! Thanks alot, Hump!!

[Humpzilla]

Just in case someone hasn't read it yet - Here's my Q & A with Knoxville Ice-Bears toughguy, Jeff Hansen

[Habs # 1]

good read hump - for a little guy he can really throw em.

[jkidd]

Might just be me, but for a tough guy, his answers were a little "blah." Dont get me wrong Hump, it was a great interview with great questions, but most tough guys interviewed are pretty colorful and great at answering the questions with some great stories, pointers or insight into the game. IMO, he seemed to be a little dry compared to other tough guy interviews, especially the Jeff Hansen interview you completed a month or so ago.

Great questions and a great read nevertheless.

[forsberg21]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Might just be me, but for a tough guy, his answers were a little "blah."

nah your not alone. I enjoyed the read. But some of his answers were like "and.."

[Blouin]

Great interview Hump. Thanks again

[nasty]

Merci Mr. Gribben.

[davesakiller]

nice work hump. i wish he were a little more candid, but you guys did a good job and it is great just to read some thoughts from serious tough guys.

[chuckem17]

GREAT JOB HUMP, 1 thing though, he was out cold in that fight he had against Cyr

[itsJ.Millertime]

Nice job as always Hump.

He left his return to Sorel up in the air. Surprising, considering the way the fans love him and he's a huge draw on the road. Without him and with Mayrand dangling the possiblity of retiring Sorel might be shopping for some new toughguys.

Only thing I disagree on is his oppinion that the league is better off with 18 skaters as opposed to 20. From talking to the old timers at the games they say the games were much better 3 or 4 years ago (fighting wise) so I have to take that as it was better, for the fans, when there were more toughguys. Kind of surprising he would say that I thought!

[Sasha]

awsome interview Hump!!...and i've learned a few things from Mirasty!..i didn't know Leon Delorme, and Carlin Nordstrom were his cousins!

thank's bro!!

[Humpzilla]

Here's the clip of the Mirasty/Cyr fight that is talked about in this interview.

http://rapidshare.de/files/703593/cyrvsmirasty.wmv.html

Feel free to make your judgement upon the overall decision of this fight.

[ClariseMcCallum]

Hi Jonathan, looks interesting...See Ya Hey, Clarise

[Blazer Q]

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