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Ex-Blackhawk Fraser fitting in nicely with Wolves

Colin Fraser was an essential part of the Chicago Blackhawks' fourth line in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

As the center for a rotating group of wings that included Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Tomas Kopecky and Bryan Bickell, Fraser had a knack for getting under opponents' skin while providing solid offensive production for a fourth-liner.

After helping the Blackhawks win the 2010 Stanley Cup, Fraser moved on to win the Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. This season, the 30-year-old Sicamous, British Columbia native serves as a veteran leader for the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves - and as a father of two living in the northwest suburbs.

Q: You bring your 4-year-old son, Calder, to practice sometimes. When did he start getting interested in hockey?

A: "Probably the first time was when he was 2½, though it was me carrying him around the ice because he had skates but couldn't stand up. I wanted him to start asking to come with me to the rink - versus me dragging him to the rink. When he turned 4, it started becoming that. It's a daily question now if he can go to the rink with dad."

Q: What do you think when you see the guys playing hockey and palling around with him in the dressing room?

A: "He's kind of a shy guy, but he's really come out of his shell. All the guys interact with him. The more I bring him, the more comfortable he gets. I wish my dad had played hockey, right? And I could've been going to the rink. He doesn't know it yet, but one day he'll recognize how lucky he is."

Q: How has life changed for you since Calder and Brielle (age 2½) came along?

A: "I've gotten a lot softer, that's for sure. I think everyone would say that. It's inexplicable until you have your own kids. Calder has preschool four days a week. Skating lessons one day a week. Dance with my daughter on Saturdays. There's always something going on. Playing a lot of floor hockey and mini-hockey and puzzles and stuff like that.

"Gone are the days where you get to sit and watch movies all day or Netflix all day. All these young guys talk about all these shows that are going on - and I've become the guy who doesn't even know what they're talking about. You know what? I'm not even interested. I sound like an old man, but I'd rather read something. I'm not saying I don't watch TV, because I certainly do, but not as much as I used to."

Q: Who are your best friends in hockey?

A: "Troy Brouwer. Andrew Ladd. Kris Versteeg. I played with Troy and Andrew growing up. Our wives are all good friends. We see each other in the summer.

"We're all a crew. You go way back to Norfolk (in the mid-2000s) and we were all 21 years old when the Blackhawks were struggling and they made a million draft picks. (Dustin) Byfuglien. (Corey) Crawford. We all came up through the system together. All our girlfriends at the time, who are now our wives, all became friends because we played three years in the minor leagues together. Then 1,2,3 years in Chicago. That's six prime years of your life."

Q: You've won three Stanley Cup rings. You have your name on the Cup twice. You've had three days with the Cup. What have been your most enjoyable moments in hockey?

A: "I'm a fortunate guy. I consider myself pretty lucky to be in the positions I've been in. Winning the 2010 Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks was hands down the greatest experience. It's something you work your whole life for.

"No. 2? In 2012, winning the Stanley Cup with the Kings was a huge accomplishment for myself. I played every single game. I came to L.A. with a broken foot. I didn't know what I would be doing or where I would be playing. And I finished winning the Stanley Cup and being in the lineup.

"I was coming off a trade from Edmonton. We were the 30th-place team in the league and I wasn't playing. It was very satisfying for me, not being able to play on the 30th-place team in the league, but being able to contribute on the first-place team. Make sure to put that in here."

Q: There's some of that "Frazzle Dazzle" feistiness.

A: "It goes to show in hockey, maybe more than any other sport, playing on a weaker team doesn't mean you'll be more successful. It's all about roles - and I was able to fill a role in LA for three seasons. And fill a role in Chicago, too, for that matter."

Wolves forward Colin Fraser likes being able to spend time at home with his children, Brielle and Calder. Photo courtesy of Fraser family
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