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Mini-Camp Interviews

Talk about your crazy year last season, starting with the University of Minnesota, to the USA World Junior team, to Bridgeport, and finishing with the Islanders.

It was an interesting ride for sure. Starting in Minnesota and going to play for the USA at the World Junior tournament was a thrill. I have played for my country and each time it is an honor. I was excited also because looking ahead I knew I was going to Bridgeport to start my pro career. At Bridgeport, I couldn’t have asked for a better first professional experience. Everyone from the players to the staff was terrific with me. When I was called up to the Islanders, the first few games I was really nervous but I quickly got into a rhythm and settled in.

At this time last season skating at Mini-Camp did you see yourself having already played professionally with the Sound Tigers and finishing the season with the Islanders?

No, I did not see last season panning out the way it did. I knew this time last season that I was going back to Minnesota to help compete for a National Championship. I thought it was possible that I could sign at the end of the college year but after a few games I knew starting my pro career when I did would be the right choice and it was. I could not have been happier the way it turned out.

What were your experiences at Bridgeport like?

It was an easy adjustment for me. The players were obviously bigger and stronger than the guys I was going against in college. Everyone was smarter with and without the puck. I learned from Mark Wotton and Matthew Spiller who really helped my transition. Both those guys and the coaching staff were really knowledgeable and helped me a lot.

What were your first few games with the Sound Tigers like?

I strangely was comfortable right away with the style of play and systems that we were playing. Getting through my first couple of shifts in Binghamton helped me settle down and concentrate on playing. I was paired on a line with two incredible players in Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen so it was even easier playing with them.

Talk of the day you were called up to the Islanders.

It was a real whirlwind. I made lots of calls to my family and everyone was really happy for me. I drove myself down to Long Island and joined the team for practice. When I stepped onto the ice I was nervous without a doubt. A lot of the guys helped me become comfortable since we were playing Toronto the next night.

Any players take you under their wing and offer you advice on what to expect?

Billy Guerin and Richard Park were great when I got here. I played on the same line with Park and he helped me with where to be and how to really sharpen my game. I sat next to Guerin in the dressing room and I still remember what he said to me before the game. ‘You’ve done this a million times and you’re going to do it a million times more so just relax and have fun.’

What is the biggest difference between the AHL and the NHL?

The guys are smarter and stronger at the NHL level. There isn’t much difference but the main thing is players are never out of position. Everyone is so positionally sound.

What are you doing for the rest of the summer?

After camp, I am going to go back to Minnesota and continue to relax and spend time with my family. I’m planning on returned to Long Island in the middle to late August and finish working out before Training Camp. I also hope to work on my handicap.

Paintball: Be sure to check out Sound TigersTV later today to watch one of the funniest episodes ever produced. Jamie Fraser and the team went paintballing he wore a microphone to take us through the experience.

Nap Time: The players had a break between their morning skate and afternoon scrimmage. A stroll through the locker-room showed about half of the players sprawled out on couches and some on the floor napping.

Long Island Traffic: Several players were late to their morning off ice workouts due to terrible traffic on the L.I.E (I-495). Chris Schwarz, Islanders' Strength and Conditioning coach took the prospects through a couple of circuit training exercises before they got on the ice for their morning practices.

Brotherly Love: Both Blake Kessel and David Toews are working hard on their development to complete the same dreams that their brothers have already achieved, making the NHL. Kessel's brother Phil plays for the Boston Bruins and Toews' brother Jonathan is with the Chicago Blackhawks.