On his style of play: I like to have the puck. I think two of my strengths are play-making and stick handling. When the puck is on my stick, I like to do something with it and I think I see the ice pretty well - so that's definitely a bonus.

On patterning his game: Vincent Lecavalier is a good player for me (to watch). I just love the way he plays. He does everything: scores, hits, he's a leader out there. I just try to model myself as much as I can after him.

On getting his start in hockey: Actually, when I was two, my dad got me in skates. He used to build a rink in the backyard. He was a huge Montréal Canadiens fan. So he just loved the game of hockey. As soon as he had me, he had the mindset that I was going to play hockey. About the age of four, I started getting into organized hockey. It just went from there.

On the biggest influences on his career: Definitely my mom and dad. You can't say enough about them. I've had some great coaches in the past. But my all-time favorite coach is my dad. He's my number one fan. So is my mom. They've been helping me through thick and thin -- I just can't say enough about those two.

On his childhood hockey hero: Back in the day I really admired Paul Kariya. That's actually how I got my number. I was No. 9 through minor hockey. I even tried to get it in the OHL. But that was after Paul Kariya. I just loved the way he played.

On playing in the 2008 Memorial Cup with Kitchener: Playing in the Memorial Cup last year was probably the highlight of my hockey career. It was unbelievable, playing in front of 7,000 people, screaming fans -- one trophy, one team. Unfortunately we didn't win. But the guys on that team, like Halischuk, Spalding, Azevedo, Matt Pepe, they all helped me out.

On playing for his hometown team: It's unbelievable. I'm living at home. I get the fresh home-cooked meals from my mom. It's awesome. I know a bunch of people from London. They come out and support me every single game and I have a bunch of family sitting in the stands. It just makes things a whole lot easier.

On watching the London Knights when he was young: I have a very clear memory of Jason Spezza coming through the Ice House. He was probably the best junior player I've ever seen. I actually remember going, sitting in the seats with my dad, watching him.

On persevering though injury this season: Every hockey player has some adversity, whether it's injuries or family issues. It's just important that you fight through it. Breaking my jaw was a minor setback, especially for the World Juniors, it happened at a little bit of a bad time. But you fight through it, keep your head up, and never give up.

On the possibility of being drafted: I can't wait. I get the jitters thinking about it. It's a long ways away. I still got a lot to prove to myself and other people. I try to keep it in the back of my mind and not think about it too much.