Mike Green of the Washington Capitals. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old led all defensemen in the NHL with 18 goals last season for the Washington Capitals. A Calgary native, Green was Washington’s first round pick in 2004.

CBCSports.ca: How did you get into hockey?

Green: “When I was young, all my buddies played. I played soccer, so in the wintertime I didn’t have any friends to hang out with because they were all at the rink, so I decided to start up – and the rest is history.

“I was about nine years old, I started late. Most of my buddies started when they were like five, four. I had to work hard, but I wanted to play with my friends that played on the best teams, so I made sure I was there.”

CBCSports.ca: What was the first game you remember playing?

Green: “Probably my first hockey game ever, when I played novice in Calgary. I couldn’t skate backwards or stop, and I was a defenseman, so I struggled a bit, but you learn.”

CBCSports.ca: Who was your funniest teammate, and why?

Green: “Alexander Ovechkin for sure, just because of the way he is. I mean, he’s just wild, and everyone knows it. He’s pretty crazy.”

CBCSports.ca: Where was the most memorable tournament you ever played, and why?

Green: “The World Championships this summer, just because of the guys you get to meet and the experience, and you get to play for your country, so that’s an honour.”

CBCSports.ca: Where was the worst arena you’ve ever played at? What was it like?

Green: “Well in minor hockey there were some bad ones, but in the NHL, my least favourite would have to be Florida. It’s just a bad atmosphere, I don’t know why. The lighting’s bad, the ice is bad.”

CBCSports.ca: Where was the coldest game of hockey you ever played?

Green: “I don’t know, the coldest? Maybe in Russia, Yaroslavl, at an indoor rink.

“Actually I used to play on the pond outside when I was young, so that was probably the coldest. Mittens, turtlenecks.”

CBCSports.ca: Who is the most memorable hockey parent you ever met? Why?

Green: “I don’t know, to be honest with you. Hockey parent, wow.

“I guess it would have to be my parents, for sure, because of the dedication they put in for me to be where I am now. They drove me to the rinks, they spent a lot of money on me to travel and play. Ya, if I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t be here.”