Twitter Takeover - Tom Squires Takes Over @Steelers_Banter

This past Monday, our good friends at Steelers Banter (find them at @Steelers_Banter on Twitter) gave up their account to the British former Steelers forward Tom Squires. Squires, who currently is plying his trade for the Hull Stingrays, opened himself up for an hour and a half, answering questions on all topics. hockey and otherwise. He's a braver man than I am. Here's the Q&A.


@Eihl_banterpage: What made you want to become a hockey player?

I got free tickets to a game. Went to watch it and became hooked straight away! I started skating lessons and played my first game at 5 for the Sheffield Samurai. 

‏@Dbath3: What football team do you support? 

Liverpool! 

@Eihl_banterpage: Will Hull make the playoffs this year? Who was your favourite player growing up? 

I definitely think we will make the playoffs! We have a great group of guys and It was Steve Yzerman. 

@marcusambler: do you have to make any sacrifices in your lifestyle?

Yeah you do. If your playing in the Elite league you have to give up your weekends and most days in the week it's mainly social sacrifices but you gain friends for life in the sport. So some feel worth it! 

@allyneil1: Thoughts on Suderman's comments about Hull fans?

 I think that Matt is entitled to give his side of the story on the situation. I think that Social Media is a good idea in the sport but both the fans and the players need to know where the line is that shouldn't be crossed!

@SnapperJakeO: Did you keep the puck from the goal you scored at the conti cup? (A great goal it was too!)

Thanks! And no I didn't keep the puck. I have the picks from my first Steelers and Stingrays goals though.

@amycraven15: Which is the best goal you have scored ??

My favourite goal was the goal I scored against Braehead last year after 11 seconds.

@Keeeeno88 Tom if you had to pick your favourite ginger person, who would it be?

You know that your @dowdy75 and my favourite ginger! :) 

@FrozenSteelBlog: Do you think, given time, you'd have broken into the Steelers Brit core? And would you come back?

I have no idea to be honest, the Steelers have a lot of good experienced British players. I would never rule out playing for any team.

@aidan29: What has been your best and worst moment in ice hockey?

My best moments have been winning the Elite league and winning Gold medals at the world Championships for the GB 18's and 20's worst moment was not making the playoffs for the last 2 years. It's never nice getting an injury. I'm a terrible spectator :) 

@marcusambler do you like helping young kids get into the sport? 

Yeah I believe that it's really important for players to help out the juniors and pass on the knowledge they have gained. 

@nataliie_07: What would like to do when you give up hockey? Would you still llike to be involved in it?

I have coached junior hockey so I think I would like to stay involved in that sense but some form of teaching outside the sport. 

@EIHLBetting: Tom, would you rather have a pet that was a horse sized duck or a duck sized horse?

Great question haha! And a duck sizes horse, easier to house it haha

@aidan29: How many other trophies would you like to win?

I'm a competitive person so I would like to win every trophy that I compete for! 

What was it like as a 'youngster' playing for the Sheffield Steelers?

It was good, I really enjoyed my time there! We had a lot of older players who were great with helping me.

What has been your best game and goal in your career?

My favourite goal was scoring after 11 seconds against Braehead. My favourite game was against Braehead when we won the league. 

Who has the best player you have played with and against?

The best player that I have played with is Jeff Legue and against I would say Drew Miller. 

Who/what inspired you to play ice hockey?

Just the love of the sport really. My family have always been great and supported me through everything. 

@TheMesiahBriggs: What age did you start playing?

Started skating at 4 and was in my first team at 5 

@FrozenSteelBlog: Any plans to play abroad?

Possibly yeah! I'm just taking things one year at a time at the moment.

@TheMesiahBriggs: Best goalie you've faced?

I'm not sure that's a tough one! I can't think of one that stands out from the rest to be honest. 

@OwenTilley17: Best advice you have ever been given?

To always give 100% in everything I do and treat everyone in the same way you would like to be treated.

@Once_Tricky: Tom, do you come into Sheffield with Hull to prove a point to your ex employers, or have you moved on from that feeling?

No I never feel like I had a point to prove when I came back to Sheffield. I just come back and try to do whatever I can to help my team win the game. 

@aidan29: I was 6 days old when I went to my first ice hockey game, how old were you?

I was 4 years old

‏@jellyfish_fans: Did the boys know that something was stirring with Matt or were you just as surprised as everyone else?

Matt informed us after the game last night about his decision.

‏@OwenTilley17: Any advice for younger players?

always work hard, respect and listen to your coaches, never give up and always be unselfish!

@Jsilver42: Hi Tom ... was just wondering out of your current teammates who do you think is the most Fly & who has the best sayings?

I'm sure you want me to say you. But buying 2 pairs of the same boots if have to say me :) and bobby's sayings, second to none!

@aidan29: Who is your favourite NHL team and player?

Chicago Blackhawks and Patrick Sharp

A big thank you from Frozen Steel to Steelers Banter for providing us with the full transcript of the Q and A, and thanks to Tom for answering our questions, as well as the others from Steelers fans (and Jason Silverthorn). Steelers Banter are wanting your opinion for who they should host a Q&A with next. Send them your ideal interview by replying to them @Steelers_banter.