Recently, Taylor Mason took part in the CHL's Junior Reporter program during the Sundogs and Rage game.

Check out Taylor's Report from the game below...
 

My name is Taylor Mason and I was the Chl Junior Reporter on January 28th, 2009. Refusing to admit my nervousness, At about 6:05pm I stood at the back security door entrance waiting for my guide, Shane Ferraro. We shook hands, and as we were walking off he explained to me what all was going to be done. First, we walked up to his Office, then showing me to the Press Box where Shane and I were going to spend first period watching the game.

Before I knew it, the time started ticking. The game had started. Barely 3 minutes into the period, Adam Perry scored. Fans were excited, yelling, and screaming. The last few games have been rough, I think it was about time for us to take the lead. While in the Press Box I was privileged to meet Cory Stillman and Tyler Liebel, injured Arizona Sundogs players watching the game. 

Soon enough it was time for intermission and second period. I followed Shane as he walked me out on to the roof, and into the Radio Broadcasting box, there I met Jordan, our announcer. We talked, and suddenly it was time for the game. I put my headset on and listened to Jordan broadcast as I watched the intense game against Rocky Mountain Rage. After a few goals, that period flew by. Second intermission Jordan convinced me to do a Jr. Reporter Interview on the radio. As he talked about the program he asked me a few questions, and I answered them, easier than I thought. I thanked him and Shane was back to come get me.

As we went back to the Press Box for the 3rd period I started to get excited thinking what was coming after the game. We watched the game; Adam Perry scoring a Hat trick with less than a minute left in the game was a wonderful kick to top off the night. I grabbed my stuff, and Shane and I walked down to the tunnel as the Sundogs won the game 4 to 2. We watched all the players walk off the ice, and stood with Marco Emond and Adam Perry as they skated back onto the ice for the three stars of the night. Fans started to leave, they began to clean the ice, Chris Rampone walked me back to the players lounge, and Shane went to get Chris Bartolone, not only Team Captain, but also my favorite player. I awaited sitting on the couch, and he walked in. The feeling was great, this wasn’t my first time meeting Chris but every time gets even better.

Our interview went great. It was so nice talking to such a friendly and nice guy. When I was done asking all my questions, Shane handed Chris a sharpie, he signed his stick and gave it to me. I thanked him for everything and we walked out together. I thought that this was an amazing experience. Not only being able to see the game and everything that happens that most fans don’t see, but being able to sit and talk with my favorite player, was just fantastic and so much fun.

I want to thank Shane so much for letting me follow him around all night, and showing me everything, I had so much fun! Also, Bob Hoffman for giving me a chance to do this, and the CHL. This program is great!

Interview:

Does your number have any significant meaning?
-No, like double digits and used to wear #24 but when moved, had to change and has stuck #29 with ever since.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?
-Yes, A lot but a few are… drinking two cups of coffee on game day, kissing my wife and 2 daughters before, eating spaghetti with red sauce, and listening to certain music on the way to the arena.

What do you do to kill time on long road trips?
-Really long trips, the guys will bust out cards or games, but usually just listen to my 80g iPod that some of the players like to load up movies on for me.

What is your favorite NHL team?
-Definitely Detroit Red Wings.

Do you have any idols? Who?
-Gordie Howe, and My Dad, He has taught me everything I know.

What do you like most about being Team Captain?
-It’s kind of like being a coach, I like having the other guys coming to me for advice, and also me being the oldest player on the team, I think it’s kind of my way of trying to give back.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while playing hockey?
-I usually don’t use my belt on my shorts, so definitely the time that I was skating, and my suspenders snapped, which meant I was skating to the bench holding up my pants as they were half way down, Haha.

 Did you play any other sports besides hockey while growing up?
-Yes, Baseball through high school.