Who are the DobberHockey writers? You read their articles every day, now it is time to go behind the scenes. Throughout the summer, each writer will be put in the spot light and will share a little bit about themselves, their columns and some upcoming predictions. First up is Jeff Angus, senior writer and manager of DobberHockey. 

Name : Jeff Angus
Column(s) : Angus Unleased, Prime Cuts, Thursday-Saturday ramblings etc... 
Twitter : @anguscertified

Favorite travel spot? Maui

Next destination? Southeast Asia

First Fantasy League? Year? First round pick?

2001-02 – Jason Allison

Last Championship? (or best finish)

This year in my one-year points only league. I am currently in four leagues, which seems to be a manageable number.

What is your earliest hockey memory?

Vancouver vs. New York, 1994 Stanley Cup Final.

Did you ever play the game growing up?

Nope, but have gotten into playing more in the past six or seven years. Played soccer through my formative years and they overlapped.

When did you realize that you wanted to write hockey? Who or what inspired you?

I started writing for fun while at business school. Has grown organically. What inspires me? Other writers. I love reading something that makes me change my stance on an issue. I love writing, and I love hockey.

Since then, what has been some of your own most memorable pieces? Any personal favorite articles?

More generally, the improvements that have been made with each article. The advice is cliché, but the best way to get better at writing is to write (and read). I really enjoyed profiling Willie Mitchell, and I have been publishing more long form pieces lately. They take a lot longer to research and write, but it makes for a richer read.

Word of advice to fellow writers and aspiring writers?

Don’t be afraid to write for free. Exposure is important. Practice, a lot. And try to find a few writers that you want to emulate, and pay attention to how they write.

You have recently been exploring the importance of player charts and advance statistics. Do you ever see it becoming mainstream hockey pool leagues?

Not sure, at the moment. For example, a strong or weak performance in an advanced statistic has a direct effect on a player’s offensive output. So they are already affecting hockey pools significantly, but people just don’t understand that (yet).

When you log on, which sites / reads do you catch up on? Recommendations? 

On my Google Reader feed, I have hundreds of sites I check up on (helps with writing, not only the ramblings but other columns as well). DobberHockey, for sure. I enjoy many of the SBNation team blogs. Some of the other sites I write for – the Canucks Army, and The Hockey Writers | Overtime.

Non-hockey, I really enjoy the Farnam Street Blog, Grantland, and a number of fitness/nutrition websites.

What is your favorite pastime / hobby away from the keyboard?

I enjoy playing most sports, from basketball to hockey to tennis to soccer. Fitness is also a huge passion of mine, and if I am not at the gym, I am thinking about my next workout. I like reading a lot, too.

Any big upcoming plans?

Not at the moment. Going to follow my passion for writing, hockey, and other sports as long as I can.

Biggest surprise in 2012-13? Team? Player?

Pretty early for me to pick sleepers, but here goes. I think Jamie Benn could take the next step to superstar status (90 points). For breakout performances, I’d keep an eye on Ryan Johansen in Columbus.

Finally, who wins the Northwest?

Vancouver, but the Avalanche are a team to watch for. If they get a big season from Erik Johnson, they’ll surprise a lot of teams.

Next up is Anthony Lancione this Friday.

Comments (7)

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Teh Doktor said:

Writing I just want to reiterate what Pengwin7 said. I've been coming to this site since 2008, and while I don't remember when Angus started (he may already have been here), the writing has improved by leaps and bounds. Especially over the last year or two. I'll pretty much read anything he writes, and will add his blog to the current list of sites I visit each day to stay on top of things. Keep up the good work, Angus!!!

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July 22, 2012
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Haddock said:

	... Wait wait wait wait WAIT. I've been taking hockey advice from someone who's earliest hockey memory is from the spring of 1994? This is scandalous!
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July 19, 2012
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repenttokyo said:

gotta take exception to your advice for aspiring writers Don't write for free. It's never worth it. Exposure is something that predatory editors offer instead of actual cash because they are unwilling to share the profits that you will generate for their publication. The more time you spend writing for free, the less time you will have to search out paying markets. I'm a professional writer - freelance. It's how I make my living, and I would never counsel someone to write for free for anyone other than themselves on their own site. If you want to write for free for someone else - as a HOBBY - then go for it, but don't buy into the idea that the 'exposure' related to this writing is an effective tool for a professional career.

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July 19, 2012
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tedduf said:

	compare yourself ! So comparing your writing style to the play of an NHLer, are you more of a Karlsson or Chara or ?? Maybe a bit of old school Stevens or Bourgue ?
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July 19, 2012
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angus said:

	... Thanks Pengwin - enjoy your devils advocate approach on my posts.
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July 19, 2012
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Pengwin7 said:

	Leaps and bounds Since I've been a member on DobberHockey, I've noticed Angus' work growing exponentially. The effort Angus puts into his work is very evident. His writing style is incredibly smooth & easy to follow. I look forward to anything Angus has to say. Now, with regard to that v-neck t-shirt, the pose, and that big brown thing in the background... yeesh.
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July 19, 2012
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donpaulo said:

	... having been to Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in the last year I can tell you that a SE Asia trip is a great choice. Are you going to a place like Angkor Wat or a beach ?
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July 19, 2012
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