The following is an interview we had scheduled with #36 Matthew Barnaby back when a season was still possible. If I remember correctly I sent the questions the Friday before the season was cancelled then un-cancelled. Matthew had other things to attend to but did want to complete the interview. Rather than re-word the whole thing as to include more recent events I've decided to just publish it as is.

----}- Bird

Hello NY and everywhere else, welcome back to the Birdcage. I'm sure you know by now that we have stopped covering every little article on the current CBA talks. The posturing and comments coming out of both sides are no longer worth the time. Cut a deal and get it done already. However, I am pleased to discuss the lockout with people who aren't gonna feed me PR crap. I can think of no one better than Hockeybird favorite, #36, Matthew Barnaby.

Matt was kind enough to talk to us when he joined Colorado and then allowed us to ask a few Q's when he signed with Chicago. Today, Matthew has once again agreed to give us a bit of his time and answer some questions about the lockout. While we'd be happy to have someone representing ownership here at Hockeybird, Gary Bettman has restricted commentary by the owners. Those we contacted who did respond have politely declined. Even "off the record" comments have slowed to a trickle if at all. Frankly, we'd rather talk to MB 36 anyway.

Bird: Once again, welcome to Hockeybird Matthew. Knowing of your passion for your family my first question is about them, how is your son doing and how have you used the time off due to the lockout in regards to your family?

Matthew: As much as I hate this lock-out, it has been great for my family. My son has been able to go to school with his friends from here (Buffalo). Being a professional athlete is awesome, but it puts a lot of strain on the wife and kids.

Bird: Let's get right to some CBA issues. I understand your buddy Rob Ray has an issue with the NHLPA. What's the status of that?

Matthew: I can't speak totally for Rob, but I think his point is that there are players who want to play. The CBA issues affect players differently - depending on years in the league and pay.

Bird: At the beginning of this disaster the NHL was winning the PR wars and many fans believed that the players were wildly over paid and should submit to a cap. Now it seems the fans see the NHL owners and Bettman for what they are. Why do you think the fans were so easily swayed to believe the NHL propaganda early on?

Matthew: We make a lot of money. The average fan works very hard for their salary and live the best life they can afford. It can be frustrating to hear anyone complain about money when a fan is trying to get his car repaired and has a tailpipe duct taped to the fender. I totally get the frustration. We are fortunate, truly blessed. Hockey is more of a blue collar sport than any other...except maybe football. The fans know the meaning of a dollar. They aren't eating caviar..they are downing brats!

Bird: What was your first reaction to the NHLPA offer of a 24% rollback on player salaries? Did you know about this in advance? I got the impression that many players were surprised by this.

Matthew: I don't want to be too specific on this. We are together in a union. I can say that not all players would have been so quick to agree to this, but all players did want to get back on the ice.

Bird: How often are you updated on the progress of talks by the NHLPA?

Matthew: It depends. I have friends call me on stuff they read on the internet before I know. It moves so fast...and then so slow!

Bird: Are you aware that the NHL can not implement a hard cap, that a cap can only be legally implemented if the players agree to it in a negotiated deal? Our own Hockey Rodent has pointed out that only Major League Baseball is exempt from anti-trust laws meaning that the NHL has no legal ability to force a cap on the players. You must agree to it. Can you see any cap type system that the NHLPA could agree to?.

Matthew: We have to reach an agreement where both sides give something up...that is negotiating.

Bird: Can you speak on how united the players are at this point? Some would have us believe that there is some dissention.

Matthew: We better be playing in the Fall. I don't know of a single player that does not want to be on the ice and in front of the fans. We owe you that. Hockey fans are the most rabid in sports. I hate to think about this lock-out...I really do.

Bird: Assuming the lockout continues will we see #36 playing here in North America or in Europe?

Matthew: You may see # 36, but it won't be me! I am in Buffalo, working out, being dad and doing a little golf.

Bird: Have you kept in touch with Eric Lindros and if so, how's he doing
these days?

Matthew: I speak to him from time to time. Nothing as of late. I am sure he is as frustrated as anyone.

Bird: How's your golf game?

Matthew: Well, thank you. I have had more than ample time to practice.

Remember these questions were asked and answered weeks ago

Bird: I don't know of a gentle way of asking this....so I'm just gonna ask. Assuming the owners find a way to begin next season with replacement players would you consider crossing the line?

Matthew: I can't answer that. God, I hope I am never in that position. I believe it will be worked out...I really do.

Bird: On a more pleasant topic, I was at the last NHL game to be played last season. At game seven in Tampa I saw a youngster wearing a Tampa Bay #36 Barnaby jersey. How does it make you feel to know you have fans in Tampa even though you didn't get a chance to play much while you were there?

Matthew: My fans are unreal. Every team that I have played for has embraced me beyond my hope. They can relate to me. Small, limited talent and a big mouth. I try to be approachable to fans - I go out of my way to sign autographs, shake hands etc. Any fan that wants to meet me does not have to try that hard!

Bird: Since I know of your great appreciation of the fans, are there any charity events you'll be attending that we can publicize for you?

Matthew: I do a lot of golf tournaments, but nothing off the top of my head right now. Not having a season has limited some of the events...

Bird: Matthew, thanks once again for taking the time to answer our questions here at Hockeybird. You have been very generous with your time for us and I'm sure I can speak for our readers when I say that it's players like yourself that help make the NHL so much fun to follow and why we miss it so much. We all hope to see you out on the ice sometime soon. You may use this last space to say anything you want to Hockeybird readers and hockey fans all over the world.

Matthew: You have a great site. I hope all the readers stick with the game and keep watching tapes of old games. Playing at MSG was a dream come true for me and I appreciate that the fans still care about me.

By the way, I am a HUGE JETS fan - always have been. So, I share that with at least some of your readers! Thanks again, if you need anything at all, let me know. See you on the ice this Fall!

----

Well, there you have it. Matt reminds us why we love this game so much. It's players....players like him. Sure, not all NHL players are as great with the fans as Matt but more are than not. I want to thank Matthew for taking time away from his family to answer a few Q's from us here at Hockeybird. I can tell you this, no matter what team #36 plays for (yes, even the Hawks) I will root for him.

----}- Bird

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