Q+A MIKE MCBAIN

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.

For the third time in his nine-year professional hockey career, Wranglers defenseman Mike McBain, 29, has served as a team captain this season.

He's one of three Wranglers who played on the franchise's debut team that lost to Idaho in the playoffs two years ago. The Wranglers make their second playoff appearance, against Idaho, tonight at the Orleans Arena.

And only one other Wrangler, Chris Kenady, has played in the NHL. Playing in the world's best hockey league was as much of a mental challenge as a physical one.

"In that situation now, I'd relax more and enjoy it, not get so uptight about everything," McBain said. "I think the guys who can do that are really successful."

Q: What's the difference between this Wranglers playoff team and the one two seasons ago?

That first season, we had a little more experience. Sometimes you kind of expect to win games just by talent and experience. This season, we have the young factor, and guys just want to work hard every night. That will be a huge thing in the playoffs. Talent only goes so far. When you work hard and have a good team, it can take you a long way.

What was the downfall two years ago? Las Vegas won the first two from Idaho, then lost three in a row, getting shut out twice.

We had one really good line, and Idaho started to shut those guys down. This year, we're more well-rounded. If a team wants to beat us, they'll have to shut down our first line, second line and maybe our third line, too.

How has your first season as Wranglers captain worked out?

It's been pretty easy. It's one of those teams where guys are pretty well-behaved. They do what they're supposed to do, and it obviously shows. We've been winning a lot of games. When that happens, it's an easy job.

What's the best part of the role?

Everyone maybe gives you credit. It's kind of nice to have. At the same time, you have to give the credit to the team. It's a good team to be a captain on.

And the worst part?

This season, nothing's been bad. Usually in tougher years, you have to do a few speeches here and there. Or if guys aren't motivated or don't have success, you kind of have to get on them to play harder. But it's been smooth. I have no complaints.

What about the 64 games you played for Tampa Bay, collecting seven assists, in 1997-98 and '98-99?

I wish I had slowed down and taken more of it in. I was young, and you're kind of awestruck, getting paid a lot of money and playing with guys you watched as a little kid. I wish I had maybe been 29, able to stop, look around and see the situation I was in. It was a great experience playing for Jacques Demers.

Any game stick out?

I was playing in Edmonton and I scored a goal, but it was when they had the foot-in-the-crease rule. I don't know who it was, but someone had a foot in the back of the crease. They took it away.

The low point?

I was one of those guys sent down to the minors a few times a year. Moving around gets hard on your mind. That's why I've said I like Las Vegas. My family's here, and I'm staying put.

Your welcome-to-the-NHL moment?

The rookie party in Vancouver, at Joe Forte's (restaurant). I think we spent $17,000 on dinner, and the rookies had to pay for it. We had a good time. The beer was flowing, the cigars were being smoked, good food was eaten. Lots of wine. Everyone goes through that as a rookie.

Your portion?

I think $4,600, or something. There were four of us rookies.

Still paying it off?

No. Luckily, you make enough up there that that's not too bad. And you only have to do it once.

Is it true that you are what you drive? That huge, white, four-door Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with the diesel engine sure sticks out in the parking lot.

Where I grew up (Kimberley, British Columbia), everyone had a truck. People didn't drive cars. It's where I come from. Everyone drives big trucks. It's just what you do, and you don't worry about gas mileage.

Is that one special?

Definitely. I like big trucks. Might as well go big, and not drive one of those little dinky ones like our trainer does. I just like the look of it. And I go camping ... throw the bull mastiff and fox terrier in the back. It's convenient.

Anyone ever notice the personal plate "LVW 2?" (McBain wears No. 2 on his uniform.)

It's kind of obscure. A lot of people ask me if it's a company truck, with the number on the end. People don't know what it means, and that's the way I wanted it.

What's in the CD player?

All country. Nothing but Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Big & Rich. And a bunch of country music hits.

Favorite movie?

I'd have to say "Cinderella Man." And "Man on Fire" is up there.

Not "Slapshot." C'mon, the Hanson brothers?

Nah, that was more of my old man's era.

First job?

I scrubbed golf clubs at a golf course. And we'd pick up the range balls. I was 12 or 13, and our boss never gave us hard hats. So people whacked balls at us all the time.

Ever get tagged?

No. But a guy I worked with got hit in the shoulder. Luckily, I never got hit. A few hummed by me a few times. That was 15, 20 years ago, and that's the way it was. You didn't worry about suing people.

Your wildest dream?

Retiring at 35.

Any advice for the young guys in the locker room?

Enjoy it, work hard, have fun and just remember the good times you have. And things will be a lot better 10 or 15 years down the road.