(Rochester, July 16)... Rochester Americans forward Graham Mink is this week’s featured player on Amerks.com in the sixth installment of the team’s summer player profiles. Mink completed his ninth professional season and first with the Amerks in 2009-10, collecting 37 points (20+17) and 86 penalty minutes. Further, Mink was just one of four players to reach the 20-goal plateau in the same season that saw him score his 200th professional goal and register his 400th professional point.

In January, Mink was honored by the American Hockey League as being named team captain for the PlanetUSA All-Stars at the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic in Portland, Maine. The two-time Calder Cup champion recorded an assist in his first-ever All-Star game, despite falling to the Canadian squad 10-9. The highlight of the season for Mink did not come on the ice, however, but in March when he and his wife, Cristina, welcomed the birth of their son, Gunnar.

A native of Stowe, Vermont, Mink has skated in 569 career AHL games with teams in Portland, Hershey, Worcester and Rochester, notching 401 points (203+198). In his pro career, including seven National Hockey League contests with the Washington Capitals, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound forward has amassed 401 points (203+198) and 685 penalty minutes in 575 appearances.

For the third straight summer, Amerks.com will highlight a different Amerks player each Friday throughout the summer months. The weekly online segment will allow fans to stay better connected with some of their favorite players and see how they spend their time during the offseason. Fans can learn about the players favorite moments from this past season, see what they enjoy most about playing in Rochester and even where they can be found vacationing this summer. Make sure to check Amerks.com and the Amerks’ Facebook page each week to stay up-to-date with your favorite players.

1.) What was the high point of the 2009-10 season?
Starting out the season 18-3-1.

2.) Where did you go after the season ended?
Back home to Stowe, Vermont.

3.) When will you begin on-ice training?
I have already skated several times this summer.
           
4.) What are you working on to stay in the NHL?
Getting faster.

5.) How do you spend your free time?
Working in real estate and hanging out with my family.
 
6.) What is your favorite vacation spot?
On Shadow Lake at my Dad’s camp in Glover, Vermont.

7.) Did you watch the NHL Playoffs? If so, what team were you pulling for?
I was pulling for San Jose and Washington to be in the Finals.

8.) Any plans for the summer?
Just to relax and get ready for a season that will go until next June!
 
9.) Who is your favorite athlete?
Lance Armstrong.
 
10.) What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My family.
 
11.) In the summer, do you prefer to work out or cook out?
Cook out.
 
12.) What is your favorite junk food?
Ben and Jerry’s NY Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream.
 
13.) What is your favorite sports movie?
Rocky.
 
14.) What do you enjoy the most about playing in Rochester? 
 The tradition and sense of history of the organization.
 
15.) Who on your team is destined to become a reality TV star? 
 Jordan Henry.
 
16.) Why is hockey the best sport?
It combines speed, skill and toughness all into one.
 
17.)  Are you looking forward to 2010-11?
I am very excited for the season to start. I can't wait to see the guys and meet the new free agents that we have signed. I am also excited to see who will be named head coach.

FAVORITES
Movie: Tombstone
Book: Freakonomics
Food: Anything my wife makes
TV Show: Wipeout
Part About Hockey: Team Camaraderie
Hockey Moment: 2006 and 2009 Calder Cup Championships
Band: U2
Song: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
Vacation Spot: Vermont
Team: Boston Red Sox
Hockey Player Growing Up: John LeClair