The season was just a month old when the struggling Hamilton Bulldogs received notice that an old friend was about to pay them a visit.

That friend was 21-year-old right wing Michel Riesen. The 14th overall pick in the 1997 draft and the Bulldogs' leading goal scorer last season (29-31-60), Riesen played his first 12 games (0-1-1) with the parent club in Edmonton. Upon returning to Hamilton, Riesen notched 16 points in his first 19 games, including a four-game stretch in November during which the swift winger picked up a goal and eight assists.

Although Riesen's stay in Edmonton was short, he remains one of the organization's brightest young stars. Former Oiler GM Glen Sather was one of many executives around hockey who fell in love with Riesen's skills, especially after the youngster performed admirably for the Swiss National Team as a 17-year-old during the 1997 World Junior Championships. It was at that tournament where Riesen's world-class speed, accurate passing ability and superior stickhandling made Sather overlook the youngster's reputation as a soft player. With his draft selection, Riesen became the highest-drafted Swiss player in NHL history.

It took the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Riesen two full seasons in Hamilton to adapt to the North American game. After a lackluster 23-point rookie campaign in 1999, the highly-touted winger was heavily criticized for his lack of aggressiveness -- just six penalty minutes in 60 games. Riesen quieted critics with his play last season by registering 29-31-60 in 73 games.

Q&A with Michel Riesen
Q: What is the difference in style between the hockey played in the Swiss league and over here in North America?
A: The biggest difference is the ice surface. It's much bigger back home, with more room to skate. Here, guys are on you quicker, so you have to get rid of the puck quicker.

Q: Who is the best player you have played against and with?
A: The best player I have played against is Peter Forsberg. He's a complete player with great hands and vision. He's very strong in the corners and is a good defender. (With) Doug Weight. He's an amazing guy. He's a smart player with good hands. He's also fun to be around. I had a great time playing in Edmonton. It's like a family.

Q: Describe your first NHL shift.
A: My first NHL shift came in the season opener this year in Edmonton. We played Detroit, and Gordie Howe was in the stands. I was in the starting lineup and had a shot on net in my first shift. It was amazing.

Q: Is it tough playing so far away from home?
A: The first year was tough. Everything is different here -- the food, the cities. I missed my friends at first, but I have adjusted. Life is pretty good now.

Q: What was draft day like for you?
A: I had been in Pittsburgh for five days waiting for the draft. All 12 teams who spoke to me asked me if I was ready to leave Switzerland. I was thinking maybe late first round, so I was surprised to go so high in the draft.

Q: Why did you decide to leave Switzerland?
A: My dream was to play in the NHL. I knew that North America was a good place to live, play hockey, and make some pretty good money.

Steve Kournianos and Josh Goldfine write for Sportsticker.