On-Field:
Growing up, you primarily played box lacrosse in southern Ontario. What was your first introduction to the field game?
I started playing in a field league in Canada when I was 16, but it was more like playing indoor lacrosse utside. I didn’t begin to learn the actual field game until I attended Salisbury Prep School in Connecticut during my junior year of high school.
You took your skills to Hobart College from ’05 to ’08, and excelled there. What was the toughest part of transitioning to the college-level field game?
The toughest transition for me was with my stick protection. As a freshman, I learned quickly that stick protection was extremely important in college. The longpoles at the college level are a lot bigger, faster and more skilled than most that I had seen before I attended Hobart.
How did playing field lacrosse help your box game — and vice-versa?
I found that my experience playing box lacrosse helped me excel in field lacrosse. When you are playing indoor, you gain experience handling the ball in tight spaces and you learn to release the ball quickly.
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Your uncle Jim Veltman retired last year after 15 years in the NLL and your brother Peter is currently with San Jose. How much and what kind of advice have they been giving you?
They both have been a big influence in my lacrosse career and have been giving me advice for a long time…They reminded me to enjoy and respect the opportunity I have been given to play in this league.
Do you string your own sticks?
I haven’t strung my lacrosse sticks for a long time. Minnesota Swarm’s Andy Secore has strung up my last couple of sticks.
Those indoor goalie pads look comfortable — like those inflatable sumo-wrestler outfits or the Michelin Man. Have you ever suited up in the net for an indoor game?
I have suited up as a goalie a couple of times in my backyard when I was younger, but you would never catch me in there today.
Off-Field:
You’ve lived all over North America — B.C., Ontario, New York and now Boston. What’s your favorite city on the continent?
At the moment, I would say Vancouver. There is always something to do in the city. I have only lived in Boston for a couple of months. I really enjoy all the history and it’s great to play in front of all the loyal lacrosse fans.
What’s your favorite thing to order at Tim Hortons?
That’s easy. A turkey club sandwich with an ice cappuccino.
If you could play any other professional sport, what would it be?
I would definitely like to play golf. It would be nice to compete in a sport where you don’t have to worry about getting hit into the boards and you only play in warm weather.
What’s on your iPod right now?
The Tragically Hip
Favorite athlete to watch?
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby
Favorite pro sports team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Best TV show of all-time?
Entourage
Any superstitions
I’ve have worn the same Under Armour shirt every game for the past five years.
What’s the last book you read? Did you finish it?
I’m in the middle of “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” by Mitch Albom.
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Tom Brady. He’s one of the most recognizable figures in Boston, he has already won three Super Bowls and he is dating a supermodel.
First job?
I delivered water coolers to different companies in Georgetown, Ont.
Do you have a motto you live by? If not, what would it be?
“Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision.” — Muhammad Ali
