While he may be best known for his physical play and frequent fights on the ice, Nashville Predators' left wing Darcy Hordichuk is as friendly a professional hockey player as you'll find. In a conversation with iSurfAmerica's Dave Jones, Hordichuk revealed some of his favorite things, pet peeves, and inspirations.

Hordichuk is from Saskatchewan, CA, where he learned to love hockey and his family's Ukranian pierogies. He was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000, and came to Nashville in 2005. He describes himself as high-strung, and is a self proclaimed "wheeler and dealer", always networking and doing business with others.

When asked about what he dislikes about Nashville, Hordichuk was hard pressed to think of a single thing. His only response was that sometimes people can be too laid back. Hordichuk has embraced Music City wholeheartedly-he enjoys eating at Stoney River and Dotson's and listening Garth Brooks. Hordichuk is also actively involved in Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids foundation, through which professional athletes donate money to children's charities.

On the ice however, it's a different story. Hordichuk set a personal goal during the 2007-2008 season to get in at least fifteen fights, but ended the season with only twelve due to injuries and lack of playing time. He has a strong reputation as one of the toughest players in the NHL.

Despite his Canadian citizenship, Hordichuk is very interested in U.S. Politics. He supports Barack Obama's efforts for change and withdrawal of troops from Iraq, but has an interesting take on the health care issue. While Hordichuk appreciates many things about Canada's free health care system, he believes that it can often become much too bogged down due to its government regulation and high demand. He thinks that being forced to pay for health care results in smarter, more conservative health-related decisions for Americans.

Hordichuk recently married his wife, Lisa. They met at a charity event in 2002, judging a Hawaiian tropics contest in Phoenix, shortly began dating, and married five years later.

Hordichuk also draws strength for hockey through his faith. He is a Christian man, learning spiritual faith from a former friend and roommate.

Another of Hordichuk's inspirations were his parents, who always worked hard to make ends meet throughout the player's childhood, both financially and emotionally. They helped him and supported his hockey career from the very beginning, helping him with the sport throughout his youth.

Quick Facts about Darcey Hordichuk:

Favorite TV Show: Rock of Love, the Alaskan Experiment

Favorite music: Bruce Springsten, Sting, Metallica, Garth Brooks

Favorite food: Ukranian pierogies

Favorite drink: Grey goose and Red Bull

Last book read: The Road Less Traveled

Favorite restaurant: Dotson's, Stoney River

Who would play you in a movie: Brad Pitt (Fight Club era)

If you could be any other athlete: Ricky Williams, in his prime

One celebrity you'd like to meet: Jessica Simpson

Something left to do before you die: Go to Australia