Inside the Locker Room Casey Ftorek

Author: James Kerrigan

Casey Ftorek, the son of hall-of-fame NHL player Robbie Ftorek recently joined the Middlebury class of 2008 as a transfer student from Union College. A quick Google search of "Ftorek" leads to countless pages and statistics about Robbie, but in the next few months, it will be opposing defenses that search for answers on how to stop the young Ftorek. It did not take long for him to make his own mark here at the College with a hat trick in his first game followed by a goal and an assist in the second game. His impact on Panther athletics will not be bound by the touchlines of the soccer pitch - he will be a key player for the hockey team this winter as they look to make it four straight NCAA titles.


The Campus: What was your first impression of Middlebury when you arrived on campus?

Casey Ftorek: It is a beautiful campus and much different than what I was used to. It is more what I was looking for from a college experience.

TC: What attracted you to Middlebury? Why did you want to transfer from Union College?

CF: It was mainly the hockey program. I didn't play pretty much for two years and I decided it was time for a change. There is no better place to play hockey than here. The soccer is just a huge bonus for me.

TC: It only took you five minutes to make your presence felt on the field. Did you really think it would happen so quickly and easily?

CF: No. I was really nervous going into the game - new team, new league, new set of opponents. It really clicked early and it felt great to be able to relax and play soccer for the rest of the game.

TC: Would any of your goals make the SportsCenter Top 10 plays of the day?

No I don't think so. I was just fortunate to find the back of the net. My teammates did well to get me the ball and create good scoring chances.

TC: How did the boys respond to your impressive performance? Did they give you a hard time about transitioning so easily?



CF: They didn't really know what to expect. I'm just a hockey player coming over and jumping onto the team. I think I'm getting off to a good start, not only individually, but collectively as a team.

TC: Did you find your first class on Monday without much trouble?

CF: Yeah, I did. I had my campus map in my room, looking for the buildings.

TC: So did you watch the World Cup this summer? Who'd you root for?

CF: Just about every game I could. After the US was embarrassed and lost, I really liked the French team and Zinedine Zidane. The German side was also fun to watch.

TC: Speaking of Zidane, ever head-butted someone on the field?

CF: I have never head-butted someone in a game. That was a bizarre moment.

TC: Do the Connecticut College backs talk as much trash as the Italians?

CF: The backs, not so much. But the guys hanging out their dorm windows behind the endline were giving it pretty good about my hair.

TC: Are you going to try to play hockey also? How will that transition go?

CF: It should go smoothly. In high school I played both sports and I've always looked at soccer as a long preseason for hockey. Fortunately, I've been able to be on some really good teams the last couple years, but hockey has always been my number one.

TC: What kind of cleats do you wear?

CF: On Saturday, I was wearing my ugly, white Lotto's that I've had for about five years.

TC: How would you describe your style? Are you more of a finesse player or a gritty one?

CF: I am a hockey player put in soccer shoes - not much skill on the ball. I go north to south and I am a very physical player. I don't really get knocked off the ball very much. My game is getting the ball, running at you and beating you one vs. one. It's nothing special.