Chatting with … Peter Boyd – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
This Q&A ran in the Buckeye gameday program for the Northern Michigan series
Junior forward Peter Boyd is a natural born leader. Working grueling hours on a cranberry farm during the dog days of summer will imprint that quality into you. Boyd became just the third sophomore in program history to wear the “C” last season. It is a role he is comfortable with and embraces. Boyd had very successful freshman and sophomore campaigns, finishing second in points his rookie season and third last year, as he helped lead the Buckeyes to their first NCAA tournament appearance in four seasons. Boyd hopes Year 3 as a Buckeye yields even better results.
How was coming from tiny Cambridge-Narrows, New Brunswick, to one of the biggest universities in the country?
“It’s definitely a change, that’s for sure. I grew up in a community of 500 where everyone knew each other. Here, you can meet a new person walking to class every day. It’s good. You learn where people are from and different cultures. It’s a good experience.”
You’re the first Ohio State hockey player from New Brunswick to earn a varsity letter. What does that mean to you?
“It’s exciting for sure. Anytime you can represent your hometown in a good light, it’s a good thing, especially at one of the biggest colleges in the world.”
Your name comes up frequently when coaches and players talk about leadership on the team. How does that make you feel?
“It’s a different role on the team that you have. You’re looked at to show the qualities of what the team represents. I’m fine with that, whether it’s hard work on the ice or good off-ice habits. That’s what it represents and it’s good to be recognized for that.”
Do you like being vocal among your teammates?
“I do. It’s definitely more responsibility, but I think each and every day I like it more and more. I feel I’m more comfortable saying things and doing things, which is a good feeling.”
You’re one of the first players I’ve heard say they enjoy being a vocal leader. Do you embrace that challenge?
“I’m big on the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’ and this year I probably started off a little quiet and my play has been a little quiet. I’m looking to turn that around as soon as possible and if speaking up in the room is what it takes then that’s what I’ll do.”
How was working on a cranberry farm in Canada?
“I never got to harvest them, which is the best experience, when all the berries float up to the top. I picked a lot of weeds around the flowers, mowing the grass. It was a big area, so it consumed most of my day. I wouldn’t say it was fun, but it gives you a better perspective on what you want to do in life. It’s good to always have hard work.”
You have played in every game of your career as a Buckeye so far, even after suffering some injuries, including a mild concussion. Are you the iron man of the ice?
“I want to be out there in every situation. Any time you can get out on the ice, it feels closer to home to me. It depends on how severe the injury is. I’ve been fortunate so far to not have any really bad injuries.”
What is the worst injury you’ve played through?
“I finished a period with a dislocated shoulder. It’s one of those things where you don’t even know how hurt you are until after the game.”
