Backchecking With ... Daniel Briere

We get to know NHL players with five quick questions. Today's subject: Daniel Briere, whose Flyers begin their season Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Earliest hockey memory?

Gatineau, Quebec ... playing outside my house on the rink my mom and dad would build for us every winter. We played non-stop from November to March. Great memories.

Favorite and least favorite part of being in the NHL?

The best is when you grow as a team and win as a team. There's an excitement when everyone is on the same page. There's also the friendships you develop. The worst part is easy; I know all about it from last season. Being injured for an extended period of time. There comes a point when you don't even feel like part of the team. It is a terrible thing to go through.

Any superstitions or rituals?

I'm not a superstitious guy. I do like to keep the same routine for game nights. Leave my house around the same time, hopefully get to the arena two and a half hours before the game. Get my equipment ready in a certain order. But I don't do anything really odd.

Hidden talents?

No way. I play golf and I try to help out with my kids' hockey teams. But in terms of a special gift, like music or something? I've got nothing.

Who's the one opponent you'd love to lay a big hit on?

I would have to say Shane Doan, but unfortunately he's probably too big and solid a guy for me to make much of a dent. Shane's a good friend from when I played in Phoenix. We had our share of battles at the poker table. I'd love to get him with a good hit.

*"The Briere Bunch" is an organization run by hockey fans that supports Daniel and his efforts on behalf of children's charities. Visit them at https://www.brierebunch.com/