Dion Phaneuf Q and A 

Dion Phaneuf was named the National Hockey League's Rookie of the Month for November. He led rookie defenseman scoring with nine points on three goals and six assists, including two game-winning goals. For the month he averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game as the Flames posted a record of 10-2-1. Calgary's first selection, 9th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 20-year-old Edmonton native has posted five goals and nine assists for 14 points this season, while averaging 21 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time per game. Following their 3-2 victory over Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Saturday, the Flames are second in the Northwest Conference with 35 points with a record of 15-9-3. They meet the Flyers in Philadelphia tomorrow and close a five-game road trip in New Jersey Wednesday against the Devils.

Q. In adapting to the NHL brand of hockey, what have you found the most difficult and what have you found the easiest?

DION PHANEUF: The skill of the guys and the speed of the game has been the biggest adjustment from where I played at last year. The style of game with the new rules has really opened up the game. So that's been very good for the game, I think.

Q. In reference to the World Junior Championship tryout camp roster named today, what was the makeup of the team last winter that made it a winner? And what advice would you offer any of the hopefuls for this year?

DION PHANEUF: It was a very skilled group last year, and we had a lot of experience. But the advice I would give the guys is take it one game at a time. That's all they can control. You go through a lot of adversity at tournaments like that. You have to play through little things that don't go your way.

Q. Talk to us about your relationship with Robyn Regehr. Have you ever discussed the possibility of playing together at the Olympics in February in Turin? And at the same time did you ever take a step back and say, I might be battling this guy for that final spot?

DION PHANEUF: To tell you the truth, we haven't talked ab out it any. First and foremost, both of us are concentrated on playing here and doing our job here. And that's all we can control, is how we play on the ice. And with saying that, that hasn't been talked about, no.

Q. Talk to us about going head to head agai nst Sidney Crosby a couple of days ago. And which opposing forward has represented the biggest challenge to you so far this season?

DION PHANEUF: Sid is a very skilled player. That's no secret. And he's done a great job at the start of the year here, putting up some very good numbers. I think that the league is very pure. There's not one guy that stands out. Everyone is very skilled. The top players on every team are very skilled. You have to be aware of everyone that you're playing against.

Q. I have a follow-up to the new rules. Have you found either the players or referees have made an adjustment in the last couple of weeks? As a defensemen, are you able to get away with a little bit more that you weren't earlier on in the season?

DION PHANEUF: To tell you the truth, I think they've called it very similar all the way through. The infractions have definitely made the game quicker and made it a lot more open.

Q. The Flames have a great home record, but how do you up that road record, which isn't that impressive?

DION PHANEUF: Well, we had a tough start on our first trip and we know we had to improve on that. And we're taking strides in the right direction on this trip. And we know that we have a big game, and big two points tomorrow night in Philly.

Photo: Dion Phaneuf. © Andris Jansons (Hokeja Vestnesis)