PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia Flyers center, R.J. Umberger sat down with me after a tough night against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 15. It was tough because the Flyers were defeated by the Maple Leafs in a close 4-2 game. However, this was compounded by the fact the heart and soul of their team, Peter Forsberg, was traded away immediately following the team’s pre-game warmups. Knowing this, I didn’t anticipate having the opportunity to talk with R.J. as there was a media frenzy in the locker room covering this breaking news. The team, of course, came first and many of the players were not around as I’m sure there was a discussion on what was going on.
However, R.J., the true gentleman that he is, walked in and went right along with my interview. R.J. took some time discussing his young 
career in the NHL and his hockey gaming history. Can’t expect anything less than that from a fellow born and raised Pennsylvanian, right? Hehehe.
R.J. was drafted in the First Round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (16th Overall) by the Vancouver Canucks. He is widely considered to be the best player to ever come out of the Pittsburgh area and has excelled at every level of hockey that he has played. Ultimately, Umberger (24) was picked up as a free agent by the Flyers in 2005. He has an excellent blend of size and skill and skates almost effortlessly with smooth, powerful strides that often leave opposing forwards in his tracks. One of his most notable skills is Umberger’s ability to drive to the net with the puck to the outside of a defenseman. His offensive game is well-developed for a younger player and he is widely known for his excellent passing skills and a hard shot.
R.J. is in his second full season in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and the power forward has put up impressive numbers in his short tenure.
When was the first time you picked up a hockey stick, R.J.?
I was 6 years old.
Being raised in Pittsburgh, it must be amazing being so close to home playing in the NHL, discuss that.
It’s probably the best thing that could have happened to me. My family and friends are just a few hours away, and love the city of Philadelphia.
Who was your mentor growing up?
Mario Lemieux
When did you start playing hockey videogames?
I was about 8 years old.
What game systems did you have?
I had a bunch. Atari, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, then Playstation, Playstaion 2, Xbox, now Xbox 360.
Sounds like you were quite the gamer R.J.! Do you have a favorite NHL game from the old days?
Probably NHL 95. That game really seemed to take a step ahead of the others. I remember Blades of Steel and the original Nintendo hockey with the skinny, medium, and big guys too. Those were a blast to play with back in the day.
What's it like to see yourself in the NHL videogames these days?
Wow, sweet. It’s very cool. It’s funny having your friends from back home call you and tell them they are playing with you trying to lead the league in scoring (chuckle).
Do you play games with other guys on the team?
No, not really. Me and my roommates play together a lot. I just got a PSP for on the road because my time is so limited for playing. I also am into FPS games like Medal of Honor and Battlefield.
Do you ever play Xbox Live?
I would if I had the time! It’s neat that you can play people across the globe head to head. I’m so limited with time, so it’s tough. I know if I signed up, I’d probably be on there all day! (chuckles)
What role do you see NHL videogames playing in growing the sport?
NHL games are definitely growing our sport through the younger generations. Kids today see their favorite players on television, then they can represent them in the game. And games today are so true to life. Kids don’t know much about hockey, so getting them into these games definitely teaches them about it and supports our sport.
Do you have a favorite stadium to play in?
Here in Philly. I like Pittsburgh too, because my family and friends are there. But there is nothing like the Philly crowd. The fans are so supportive, and this building can really get rocking sometimes.
Are there particular goalies you like to go up against?
(Martin) Brodeur. He’s the best there is, and I have a lot of respect for him. I look at every game I play against him as a big challenge.
Tonight, obviously was a big night with Peter Forsberg getting traded away. What was it like to play with him?
Very cool. I feel privileged and lucky to have been a teammate of his. There is so much I have learned from him being here. He’s a world class athlete, and I have a lot of respect for him.
What do you think of the new NHL?
I love it. I’m a puck carrier, so the changes affected me for the better. Today’s NHL is much more open that it was when I first came into the league, and it should help me out with more room on the ice.
Any last comments to the NHL Gamers out there from you?
Keep supporting the games, and our great sport of hockey. There is no better sport in the world to be a fan of.
Last but no least, a question from my brother who spent a few years out in Pittsburgh. Primanti Brothers or Geno’s?
Primanti’s. No questions asked. (chuckles)
Thanks for your time, R.J. Best of luck the rest of the season!
