UP CLOSE WITH DEFENSEMAN CODY WILD

Defenseman Cody Wild made his pro debut as a member of the Springfield Falcons back on March 19, 2008 against the Manchester Monarchs.  In 13 games with the Falcons this past season, he totaled one goal and two assists for three points.

• Cody Wild Talks About His Return To Providence And First Pro Point Back On March 28
  

Wild recently finished his third season with Providence College where he collected four goals and 18 assists for 22 points and 28 penalty minutes in 32 games with the Friars.  The 6-foot-1, 205-pound native of Limestone, Maine was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round (140th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

CODY WILD                                                                                       

                                                                                           - - Regular Season - -                        - - Playoffs - -

Season	Team	Lge		GP	G	A	PTS	PIM		GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
2005-06	Providence Coll.	NCAA		36	6	15	21	24		-	-	-	-	-
2006-07	Providence Coll.	NCAA		32	6	8	14	28		-	-	-	-	-
2007-08	Providence Coll.	NCAA		32	4	18	22	28		-	-	-	-	-

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Cody Wild talked with the Falcons play-by-play broadcaster Mike Kelly during the week of Wild's pro debut and highlighted below is the transcript from that one-on-one interview:

Question: You made your professional debut with the Springfield Falcons back on March 19, 2008, what was going through your mind that evening?

Answer: I was just really excited to be making the jump to pro hockey.  I was a little nervous.  I think the nerves went way once I got out on the ice and took a good hit.

Question: How did the season go for you with the Providence College Friars?

Answer: It went pretty well. We finished fifth in the standings.  We lost in the first round of the playoffs to Boston College, who eventually went on to win the National Championship.  We didn’t want to end the season that way, we wanted to continue further, but that’s what happens at times.

Question: What type of defenseman can the fans expect from you?

Answer: I like to jump in the rush and move the puck.  I like to get in the offense and help create scoring chances.  As a defenseman, I have to make sure I am steady defensively as well. 

Question: You were drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 5^th round in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.  What is it like to be in the Edmonton Oilers system?

Answer: It’s surreal.  It just came so quick.  I was just drafted two years ago and now all of a sudden I am playing pro hockey. It’s crazy. It’s a great experience.

Question: You were reunited in Springfield with your former college teammate, Colin McDonald.  How helpful was it having Colin on the Falcons roster when you arrived?

Answer: Colin helped me out a lot when I first arrived in Springfield.  I called him right away to let him know I was headed to Springfield. He was really excited.  He helped me out by showing me around and introducing me to some of the guys.  He has really been a big help.

Question: Made your transition easier?

Answer: Yeah. It made it a lot easier knowing someone on the team.

Question: Did you know anyone else on the Falcons when you arrived?

Answer: I met a couple of guys in the prospects camp last year. They all have been great to me. A bunch of the guys have really helped me out with the transition to the pro game.

Question: Did you feel any added pressure being part of a playoff race when you made your pro debut?

Answer: It was an exciting time for the team, the battle with the Monarchs was intense and I was glad to be a part of it down the stretch.

Question: Well, you’re a Limestone, Maine native. What is it like going up head to head with other New England based teams?

Answer: It’s great. I was actually born in Maine. I lived in Providence most of my life and it is great, just being in New England alone. It is just a small territory. It’s an awesome place to live and play hockey.