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There are not many players in the Sound Tigers' eight year history that demonstrated the heart and courage it takes to compete, day in and day out in the AHL like Kevin Colley did over his three years with the team. The grind of three games in three nights, the long bus trips, and the anxious wait for the phone to ring from the NHL affiliate, calling you up, are on the back of every player's mind.

Colley took some time to answer a few questions about his experiences during his playing career and what it is like bringing them over to the coaching side, working with the young players in the Islanders' organization who are going through what he once did.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers: Tell us about your years in Bridgeport and what are some of your best memories?

Kevin Colley: I have very fond memories of how the fans accepted me into the organization. Playing for the Islanders, it was easy to come to the rink day in and day out. The fondest memory I have of playing with the Sound Tigers was when we went on a 23-game winning streak my first year. The biggest goal I scored was definitely the Philadelphia game during the 2006-07 season when we won the game 1-0 on my goal.

BST: You are the perfect example of where hard work can take you as you started in the ECHL and finished your career in the NHL. Talk about some of the setbacks you faced and how you pushed through them, eventually playing for the New York Islanders.

KC: When I first turned pro I kept looking where my close friend were playing and most of them were either in the AHL or the NHL. As I did that, I lost my focus on what I needed to do in the ECHL to get to those levels, which definitely set me back. Instead of being bitter about the situation I was in I should have looked in the mirror and figured out the problem. Once I worked through that year and the frustrations I was going through, I was able to get to the next level. I knew with my heart and ability I could to move up but I had to scratch and claw my way out. Once you get to the higher levels, you realize that what you put into it is all worth it.

BST: You played the grittier style of play and sometimes went into games knowing you’d have to fight someone bigger then you. How did you cope with that daunting task?

KC: Going into games you see the other team’s lineup and kind of figure out who you may have to fight. A lot of times the role I played also meant sticking up for my teammates, which was a role I enjoyed. For me to get to the next level I knew I had to do it and it helped me to stay in the lineup because often times successful.

BST: You were the captain of the Sound Tigers in your final year. In what ways did you try to lead your team?

KC: Whenever you are the captain of any team it is a great honor to be the captain because it symbolizes your dedication and leadership to the team. I wanted to show up every day and I feel I that was my way of leading, my competitive level on the ice.

BST: What was it like to return to Bridgeport last season and drop the opening puck?

KC: It was fun to come back and see familiar in the crowd, office and even in the dressing room. Bridgeport was where I called home for three years and it was a fun experience to come back and be a part of opening night.

BST: You played under Scott Gordon briefly in Providence when he was an assistant coach. What was he like and talk about some of the qualities you feel he will bring to the Islanders organization?

KC: He is the right fit for the job. From the Islanders right down to us here in Utah, we’re going in the direction of developing young players so that the organization can have continued success for many years. He has been the perfect example of that over the past several years in Providence. He is patient with his players and will instill in these guys the competitive levels they need to be at every night.

BST: What was your first year of coaching like?

KC: It was a really great experience and it opened my eyes up to the management side of the sport. Jason (Christie, Utah Grizzlies head coach) showed me what it takes to come into a game from a coaching standpoint. I really enjoyed working with the players on and off the ice and showing them what they need to do to reach the goals that I once had of eventually playing in the NHL. I’m thrilled about the position I’m currently in and am looking forward to continuing down this avenue.

BST: We saw several of the players that played the majority of the season in Utah last season but you worked one-on-one with them as they started the year in Utah. What have you seen from them and how will they help the Sound Tigers this season?

KC: The main thing that they will bring is energy. Sertie (Sertich) skates well and is a horse with ice-time. He is a very versatile player as seen by his time playing both defense and forward for us last season. Haley will add the toughness factor and was successful in lots of fights with both us in Utah and also up with the Sound Tigers. Haskins is a great player skill-wise and for a first year player, he is tremendously smart. They all will add the element of hunger because they want to prove themselves. All of them have what it takes to be winners so the fans should be excited.

BST: Micheal Haley is the type of player that played your style of the game. Do you see yourself in him and what does he need to do to succeed in the AHL?

KC: Hales (Haley) is a competitor. He was tougher than I was but the one aspect of his game that he needs is the ability to get under the other team’s skin, be the agitator. He is very honest when it comes to the gritty style of play and needs to become more of a pest. I liked to get under the skin of other players because it opened up space for not only me but my teammates. If he can work on that, he will do well.

BST: What have you been doing in the off-season to prepare for the season and also what have you been doing to take your mind off of the game?

KC: I came into Salt Lake this summer and have been learning the recruiting and scouting side of the industry. We have to put the best team on the ice come opening night so I’m enjoying this aspect of the coaching side. Off the ice I golf a couple times a week. My handicap is about an eight.