The Des Moines Buccaneers have announced that former Buccaneer defenseman and 2002 Carolina Hurricanes draft pick Jesse Lane has been added to the roster, and will be in uniform Wednesday, November 26th for the Bucs home game against the River City Lancers.

The 6'3", 205 lb. Lane played for the Buccaneers during the 1999-00 USHL season, tallying eighteen points (three goals and fifteen assists) in fifty-four games for the Bucs.

After leaving Des Moines, Lane was named to the United States under-18 team and played two season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and led the CHL, which includes all of Canad's major junior leagues, in scoring for a defenseman in 2002-03 with seventy-one points (fourteen goals and sixty-one assists) in seventy games while splitting time with the Hull Olympiques and the Victoriaville Tigres. The QMJHL is considered to be one of the premiere junior hockey leagues in the world, and has produced NHL greats such as Mario Lemiuex and Raymond Bourque.

Interview

Kevin Kasel: Tell me about your family life, do you have any brothers or sisters?

Jesse Lane: Yeah, I have sister who is 18 years old, she plays for Brown University, for the women's (hockey team), she's a Freshmen there now. Obviously my two parents, they are still married, still together. Pretty much it, we live in Needham, MA., which is a suburb west of Boston.

Kevin: How old were you when you started playing hockey?

Jesse: Nine years old. I started relatively late compared to most players on the team. I have been skating since I was two or so, so that was an issue. But actually stick in hand and on the ice and organized hockey, was nine years old, so it was pretty late.

Kevin: Why did you start?

Jesse: I think how the story goes, I think I saw my cousins playing pond hockey for one Christmas and said I wanted to start that. Or I came home from school one day and some kids from school were playing hockey and I wanted to start. I got enrolled in a little house clinic, I tried out for the 'A' Team that year and I ended up making because I was an OK skater from when I was little. I could skate pretty well. The stick came pretty naturally and I always hacked around in the basement for hours on end. So it kinda worked out well, I just didn't know what off-sides was for the first half of the year.

Kevin: Have you always been a defenseman?

Jesse: No, I was actually a forward up until I was 14 years old. Then I moved backed to D, for couple reasons, 1) the team my Dad was coaching needed another defensemen and me being the token whipping boy I just got sent back to D. And also I thought I might gain some size, because he is a big guy, he's like 6'-3" and change. Kinda made sense, plus I like handling the puck and quarterback on the play, and it suits me pretty well.

Kevin: If I won the lottery, the first thing I'd do is ...

Jesse: Well, it depends on how much money. There's a lot of decisions to be made. If I won a big state lottery, I would do a lot of things. Maybe try start a corporation and make more money. I don't know, there is a lot of things you can do with it. One thing I wouldn't do is (blow) it all away on frivolous stuff at the beginning. You can use capital to create more money, then is definitely I would look into, depending on the amount obviously.

Kevin: Do you have a favorite pro or college team?

Jesse: I played a college for a little bit. I was drafted by Carolina (Hurricanes) and we didn't agree to terms of the contract. So, they aren't my favorite as of now. I can't put my finger on any favorite pro team.

Kevin: What about a favorite player?

Jesse: That would be guys I would emulate, like Nicklas Lidstrom, I have a lot respect for him for the way he plays the game. And guys like, (Scott) Niedermayer, (Brian) Rafalski, he's a really skilled defensemen, Brian Leetch big favorite of mine growing up, because I grew up outside of New York City.

Kevin: Best advice you've ever received (doesn't have to be hockey-related):

Jesse: Don't worry about results, just focus on the process day-to-day. My Father told me that. I know it sounds kinda clicheish and cheesy, I think it is good for a lot of facets in life. For instance, if you are just worrying about graduating from college or always looking at the end results, you are never going to have any fun. But if you work at the process day-to-day, work hard, do whatever you have to do. The results will take care of themselves and don't have to worry as much.

Kevin: What are some things you want to do in your life besides hockey?

Jesse: I definitely want to get into politics when I'm older. I'm going back to school, back to Harvard back in February. I don't know if you know that or not.

Kevin: I had heard that.

Jesse: So, I will be coming out on weekends and playing some games. But I want to get my education out of it, I'm thinking about major in Government and minor in Econ hopefully. And then, I want to go Business school and law school after that, hopefully in another two years. Maybe make some money and definitely want to get into politics when I'm older, like late 30's or so. And hopefully in a western state, like Idaho or Montana or somewhere like that. Just smaller population. And I think my views would sit very well with the views up there.

Kevin: Finish this sentence: The fans would be surprised to know that I ...

Jesse: That a kid from Boston loves country music.

Kevin: My first job was ...

Jesse: Selling tickets at a junior hockey game.

Kevin: Where did you go on your last vacation?

Jesse: I don't remember my last vacation, I have traveled a lot of places and had a lot of fun. It was Arizona over the summer. I trained at a workout facility where the pros were, I was doing part of Carolina system or whatever. I think the next vacation is going to take is going helicopter skiing. When I was 16 year, when I played, one of my goals was to go helicopter skiing. So hopefully I will be able to achieve that pretty soon.

Kevin: Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

Jesse: My parents for sure, there is no question about it.

Kevin: Best decision I ever made?

Jesse: Coming out to play in Des Moines and going to Harvard. Two best decisions I would say. I know it sounds cheesy saying coming to Des Moines, but it was good for a lot of reasons. It got me separated from stereo-typical Eastern mold of going to prep school just before going to college. It allowed me to focus a lot on hockey. I never saw Des Moines before coming out here. And I had no idea what it was like. I had a dream it was a small town with farmers and pitch forks at a game. Just typical stereo-type, but not true at all. I love it here. I come back three times. This is my third time. I came back here to graduate as a Senior after the US program. And I love it, I had a great time. And I'm back here again obviously for a little bit. And that was a really good decision. And I think going to Harvard for sure. As you know I left Harvard and played in the Major-Juniors for awhile. I did pretty well, I lead the CHL in points. I just didn't work out in terms of contract with Carolina. I was going to be a CBA, maybe a strike next year, lot of money issues. But coming out here was a really good move. Because it really opened eyes to the rest of the country. I had no idea about the Midwest, even though my Mom grew up in Wisconsin.

Kevin: What would you consider your dream car?

Jesse: I just say a truck. They are so reliable. If you had to one car, day in and day out, a nice big truck. The problem is, if you drive in Boston, you can't have a nice big truck, doesn't fit in spaces and it is tough to deal with. I just like trucks, nice reliable, not incredibly expensive.

Kevin: If you could have lunch with one person, past or present, who would it be?

Jesse: You gotta say Jesus Christ on that one. Don't you think? I would say Jesus Christ, most influential character, I don't know if we'll refer to him as a character, most influential person/being of all time. So that definitely be my choice right now.

Kevin: What's your most embarrassing moment?

Jesse: So not embarrassing moment, but I don't like to fail at anything. So if I ever fail at something, that's embarrassing to me. I can't put my finger at the last time. I am sure it has happened, don't get me wrong, but I don't get embarrassed too much. I try and take it with a grain of salt. I hope to, take it with a grain of salt.

Kevin: What is your favorite holiday?

Jesse: Christmas, family time, nothing like snow outside and a fire.

Kevin: Finish this sentence. My teammates think I'm ...

Jesse: Do you want it to be "PC" or what?

Kevin: Some what.

Jesse: My teammates think I'm over-dressed.

Kevin: What is your favorite sports-related movie?

Jesse: You got to go with, Any Given Sunday is really good and Youngblood, is pretty good. Youngblood and Any Given Sunday is a close tie.

Kevin: If there is one thing you could change, what would it be?

Jesse: One thing I could change in my life?

Kevin: Anything, doesn't matter what.

Jesse: Our government and bureaucracy.

Kevin: If you were a head coach of a team what would you do?

Jesse: If I'm the head coach of a team, I am assuming the past coach was let go for some reason. I get the fellows back on track. I know this is taboo, but I maybe want to develop a close relationship with the players. I know it is hard.

Kevin: Do you have a nickname?

Jesse: Jess, Jesse, Bess Bane, whatever.

Kevin: If you were stranded on a desert island, whom would you want to be stranded with ? Britney Spears, Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez or Tara Reid?

Jesse: I say Britney Spears, because then my girlfriend would be happy I went with that answer.

Kevin: Why is that?

Jesse: She hates, but loves Britney Spears. She has a real love-hate relationship with her. She hates her, because she wishes she was in that situation. She wants to be a singer or one of those deals.

Kevin: What is your favorite food?

Jesse: Oh sushi.

Kevin: What is your favorite board game?

Jesse: Chess, for sure. I'm big fan of the on-line chess. Or Hearts, or Texas Hold Em poker.

Kevin: Do you have a specific pre-game meal? If so, what is it?

Jesse: Yeah, I'm a big believer in not carbo loading. I don't think it is good for your body at all. I'm a believer that carbs, once they hit your stomach they turn into sugar. Simple sugar. This myth about eating so much pasta before a game is a crock. So I eat big 16 oz. steak with big side of vegetables and a salad and a half baked potato, because you need some carbs to absorb the protein. I've done a lot of research in this area. I'm a firm believer in that, some people think I'm wrong. But that's what I eat.

Kevin: Who is your favorite band?

Jesse: Alan Jackson, by far. He is the greatest.

Kevin: What web page do you check first when you go on-line?

Jesse: My email, web mail. My Harvard email account.

Kevin: Who would you rather be, Bugs Bunny or Road Runner?

Jesse: Bugs Bunny, he's a witty guy. He's not always running around. Yeah, for sure Bugs Bunny. He's kind of a clown, though, but you got to choose Bugs Bunny. I'm not a quiet guy.

Kevin: If you started your own NHL franchise, and you could pick any player, who would you start with and why?

Jesse: Could it be past or present?

Kevin: Yeah.

Jesse: I'm assuming you have a good supporting cast, I have to go with Wayne Gretzky. He's the most influential in the history of hockey. It's hard to content, well maybe Gordie Howe. He's just a great person to build a team around. I realize he controls teams more then most coaches and GMs would like, however he has successful, like that older Oilers team, is incredible. If you had the nucleus of those guys together or like that 87 Canada Cup team or the 88 Canada Cup team, incredible team. Gretzky Lemieux, you can't go wrong.

Kevin: Who would you have on your hockey "Dream Team"?

Jesse: Gretzky, Lemieux. I love Leetch. Lidstrom. I know I'm leaving some guys out, so let it go. Roenick, Amonte, In goal, Patrick Roy, probably the most competitive guys ever. But the list goes on and on. Forsberg, I'm sure I am leaving guys out. Mats Sundin.

Kevin: What are your superstitions?

Jesse: Oh, wow. Well every time the National Anthem is going on, I say a prayer. Every time I walk through a doorway, I hit each side of the doorway. So when I open the door I hit each part of the threshold and the door. Every time I go through a door, even that door right there (pointing to one of the lobby doors in the Metro Ice Sports Arena). Then when I go on the ice, I will occasionally bang each post three times, superstition. I always get dressed left to right. My advise is to not become a superstitious individual it will torment you for the rest of your life.

Kevin: Who is faster, Speedy Gonzalez or the Road Runner?

Jesse: Road Runner. He's got longer legs. I just don't know enough information to judge, in my opinion I would bet on the Road Runner if I was a betting man.

Kevin: What is your favorite Des Moines radio station?

Jesse: The Hawk, 97.3.

Kevin: Who is your favorite professional non-NHL team?

Jesse: Being from Boston, I have to say the (Red) Sox. There is a lot of mystic about them. I'm not as die hard fan as other people are of Boston. It gets crazy with riots and stuff. I just like to see, cause there is so much drama. And it is just a good character team, they have been around forever, there are people obsessed with them. Literally, the sports pages in the Boston Globe right now are, you would think they would be with the Bruins and the Celtics, Patriots right now, but it is all about the Sox. What they're going to do for next season. It's a cult out there. It's crazy. Have you ever been to Boston?

Kevin: No.

Jesse: You have to see it, it is ridiculous.

Kevin: What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't yet? I think you have already answered that.

Jesse: I'm excited to go helo-ski. I want to get a Law degree or Business degree, I haven't decided what. I'm think MBA. Depending on what kind of schools I can get into. I wanna live Colorado when I'm older because the skiing is absurd out there, it would be a lot of fun.

Kevin: Who would you rather be, Superman or Batman?

Jesse: I'm a traditionalist, I say Superman.

Kevin: Which one, new or old Buccaneer logo?

Jesse: Do I want to touch this one with a ten foot pole?

Kevin: Everyone else has.

Jesse: Old. You got to go with old. I was here when old was here. It is just traditional, you know what I mean.

Kevin: Burger King, McDonalds or Wendy's?

Jesse: I'm not a big fast food guy, but this one goes out to Dwight LaBrosse, I have to go McDonalds.

Kevin: Why is that?

Jesse: Dwight loves McDonald. You can put that there in the tape.

Kevin: What is the last movie you have seen?

Jesse: 21 Grams, it's an artisy deal, I saw in the Fleur theater. It's really depressing, but it is really good though.

Kevin: What is the last CD you have purchased?

Jesse: Alan Jackson Greatest Hits 2.

Kevin: If I could change one thing about me, it would be ...

Jesse: I love to be a lot more intelligent, that would be incredible.

Kevin: Any advice for younger hockey players?

Jesse: Don't worry about the end result, take care of everything day-to-day the result will take care of itself. And just have fun playing hockey right now. So many kids get bummed out or worried about what they are going to do. There are so many ups and downs in people's career, hockey is such a fickle and unpredictable game, you can't really stress too much on what happens if you make the team or if you don't. Have fun with it. If you are having fun with you will improve developing on the ice, that's the place for you. If you don't want to be on the ice, you shouldn't be playing hockey, in my opinion. So many people get away from it. We have youth coaches, they always scream at the kids, and kids don't like it anymore. It's competitive. I understand there's nothing against them, they are doing their best to win, but I wish to see kids out there scrimmaging, having a good time. That will help them improve. If they are on the ice three hours a day just scrimmaging, that great. There is a time for drills and a time for this and time for that. I just wish they have fun with the game and if don't like it, you shouldn't be playing.