Californian conversations with ... Condors goaltender Timo Pielmeier
| Sunday, Jan 17 2010 09:00 AM
Last Updated Sunday, Jan 17 2010 09:00 AM
Bakersfield Condors goaltender Timo Pielmeier has etched his name in franchise and league history.
Last month, he notched an empty-net goal against Utah, becoming the Condors' first and the ECHL's 10th goalie to score.
Pielmeier, 20, is a native of Deggendorf, Germany, and a prospect for the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks. He'll be representing first-place Bakersfield in the ECHL All-Star game this week in Ontario.
You may be wondering, "Who is that masked man?" Pielmeier was kind enough to clue us in.
We were wondering, do you have different lederhosen for home games and away games?
Haha, no ... But I have them back home for sure, for the famous beerfest. I can't wait to rock those again. Haha ... Obviously in July when the season is over and we go through the playoffs.
Have you eaten at Bit of Germany in east Bakersfield?
No, I didn't get to go there yet, which I think is pretty bad by me. But if I go there once, I'll probably end up weighing 200 pounds.
What comes to mind when you see a commercial on TV for Wienerschnitzel?
Back home for sure. It's always great to meet Germans around here or read something German.
Please tell us a little about your hometown, Deggendorf.
It's a small, beautiful city in Germany -- 35,000 people live there, lots of tourists come and visit this city. I live right next to a river called the Donau (Danube). It's a famous river in Germany, which is great in the summer -- we're out with our motorboat a lot.
What drew you to hockey?
My dad played second division pro in Germany. My brother is playing in the DEL (German Elite League) for Hamburg, so it's pretty much a hockey family.
Did you play soccer as well? Isn't it much more popular than hockey in Germany?
Yes, it is way more popular than hockey 'cause all you need is shoes, and people don't spend much money on hockey equipment. But hockey is famous as well.
If not for hockey, what kind of career would you have chosen?
I have no idea to be honest. I never thought about it. My teachers at school always thought I was crazy when I told them I wanna be a pro hockey player. They always said, "What if you get hurt?" I always answered, "I am not even thinking about that, my goal is to be an NHL goalie one day." I was never thinking about doing anything else.
Who is your hockey idol?
Probably Martin Brodeur (goaltender from the New Jersey Devils). I like the style he plays.
How do you like Bakersfield? How about living in the U.S.?
I like it, it's warm out almost every day. I played on the east coast in Canada the last two years, which was very cold, so it's interesting to see what the wintertime is like here. I hope I will be living in Anaheim one day.
What's the most beautiful place you've visited in the U.S.?
I think Newport Beach. That's where (Ducks prospect) Luca Sbisa had his place in the summer, and he and I went there a lot during training camp. I think its beautiful down there, right on the beach and the ocean. I would love to spend my season there and play for the Ducks.
What's your favorite American food?
All the food is Italian or Mexican around here. I am not a big fan of burgers.
What have you learned about Americans? Has anything about us turned out to be different than what you expected?
All the Americans on my team are great guys ... seems like we are all the same.
What's your favorite place to vacation?
Probably Hawaii.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Deggendorf, Germany.
What do you expect from the German team in the Olympics? Are you and your teammates already talking about it?
Not really, I don't know what the team looks like. To be honest, all I focus on is the Condors and the Ducks.
How do Germans think Americans perceive them?
I feel like Americans like us.
Who are your best friends on the team?
Shawn Weller, Ray Eichenlaub, Adam Naglich -- we always watch "Dexter" together.
Who's the funniest guy on the team?
Probably Weller.
