Mike Nolan has been a dominate power with the Monsters since being recruited during the Fresno Monsters 5th season in 2013. Since then, he has become Assistant Captain for the 2015-16 season, posting 14 goals and 38 assist. He leads the league in points this season with 52 and was awarded by the WSHL last season with most assist coming in at 58. The veteran forward was kind enough to spend twenty minutes on the phone with James Karr, while on the Golden Eagle charter bus traveling to tonight's game in San Diego, and answered some of our questions.

First off, big congrats on setting the new franchise record in goals and points during your game last Saturday against the Arizona Hawks.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

What was going through your mind during that game?

Well I actually didn't know I was about to set the record. The boys kept telling me I needed to score and I kept wondering why. Then when I scored in the third and looked backed at my team mates jumping off the bench, that's when I knew what had just happened.

You used to play for the Ridge Meadow Flames in the PJHL before coming to Fresno and becoming a dominate player on the ice for the Monsters. What differences have you noticed since coming over?

Lots of differences actually… The main thing is the intensity. Everyday I'm either at the gym or on the ice practicing. The skill level here in the WSHL is a lot higher especially with the large amount of European players.

Born and raised in Canada. Came over to the United States at the age of 17 to pursue a career in Hockey. What has that been like?

The culture around hockey in the USA is a lot different than in Canada. Over here everyone is football crazed like Hockey is in Canada so that took some adjustment to get used to, it's different (laughs). Also the weather! Adapting to the hot weather here in California isn't easy!

Last year there were a lot of talks in the WSHL about the possibility of an All-Star game and your name was thrown around quite a bit as a fan favorite to go if the opportunity presented itself. If given the opportunity this year would you considering going?

I would love the opportunity to go! Depending on what is going on with my family and with the addition of the new baby in the family it might be difficult with the dates, but if asked I would definitely consider going!

The WSHL Showcase in Las Vegas is less than 2 weeks away. Which team are you looking forward to the most in testing your skills?

I'm very excited to play Missoula, they're the top team in their division right now but at the end of the day it's gotta be Idaho.

Why Idaho?

The rivalry between us goes a long way back and I know when we play them the team as well as myself will have to have our best game to come out on top. I love the competition they bring and it brings out the best in all of us.

Time for the lightning round. What's on your pre-game play list?

Last song on my playlist is always “money for nothing” by Dire Straits! Before that it's a mix of rock and EDM music.

Favorite thing to do in Fresno?

Play Hockey! (laughs)

And last, what is one thing you have to do before every game?

You can always find me stick handling outside the locker room before each and every game.

I appreciate your time with me today Mike and good luck tonight vs San Diego!

Thank you, James!

Monster fans can watch Mike Nolan and the rest of the Monsters team as they take on the San Diego Sabers for a 3-game series starting tonight at 8:00pm. Watch live on fasthockey.com or follow along on twitter @fresnomonsters1. For more information about tickets, you can reach the Monsters Office at 549-4TIX (4849) or by visiting www.fresnomonsters.com and clicking on the 'Tickets' tab. Go Monsters!