May
How did it feel to get your first WHL goal this year?
It was an awesome feeling. I actually got my first one in playoffs last season but my first regular season was this year, in Regina. It was a good feeling for sure.
Did you find a lot of difficulty transitioning to Major Junior from Minor Midget?
There were for sure some growing pains, some ups and downs, but it just takes a lot of hard work.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned last year?
I learned a ton of lessons, for me just staying consistent and trying my best to get my good rest, worry about the things off the ice like my nutrition and practice and it all comes together on the ice.
What things did you focus the most on improving in the off season?
I focused on getting a lot stronger, working on my speed, my agility, my shooting and my stick handling. Basically the obvious things.
How would a teammate describe your game?
I think they would describe my game as a defencemen that joins the rush, creates scoring chances, and plays against the other team’s top line and is strong in the D zone
What would you say is the strongest part of your game?
I think the strongest part of my game is my skating.
How does your size help your game?
I haven’t really filled out, but it for sure helps when I’m in the corners against the bigger guys as an advantage. It definitely a big help.
Who are some of the players you admire in the WHL?
Obviously I admire one of my former teammates, Josh Morrissey, he’s helped me a lot and we’ve spent a lot of time together when he was here this year and last year. A couple others, Madison Bowey, he’s a really good player that I watch. I watch Derrick Pouliot a lot last year quite a bit and he was a really good player that I enjoy watching as well.
What has been the best experience throughout your hockey career?
The best experience so far has been playing in the Top Prospects game, in January. It was a great experience. To see where I match up against all the top players my age eligible for the draft, not only on the ice but off the ice but in the fitness testing as well.
What has been the biggest thing you’ve had to over come in hockey?
Probably on of the biggest adversity moments was last summer not making the Ivan Hlinka team, that was upsetting for me. I thought I had a good chance of making the team and I didn’t so I just had to work hard to over come that. Hopefully I will be able to play in the World Championship here in April.
Did that give you a lot of motivation by not making it?
Yeah, it definitely motivated me.
Are you focusing a lot on the NHL draft?
I’m trying not to put as much focus on it. At the start of the year it was really at the back of my mind and as the season winds down, it’s starting to creep up a little more, but I think that’s how it is with everyone. I’m just trying to help my team and do whatever we can to win right now, trying to make playoffs here so that’s the most important thing.