Dan Blackburn Minds Net
As Newest Young Ranger

by NHL | March 6, 2002

At first you think it's a misprint: Dan Blackburn, NY Rangers, born May 20, 1983. But it's true; the Rangers' rookie goaltender is only 18 years old, and he is quickly proving that he can play on a professional level.

The Montreal native's short amateur playing career began in 1997 with the Bow Valley team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Blackburn captured the Scholastic Player of the Year honors in both the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 seasons. During the 1999-2000 season, Blackburn joined the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The WHL immediately realized Blackburn's impact as this powerful goalie helped the Ice capture the 2000 WHL Championship and, at 17 years old, became the youngest player to be named WHL Playoff MVP. During the 2000-2001 season, Blackburn continued his WHL dominance with the Ice, leading the WHL in wins (33), finishing second in save percentage (.907) and third in goals against average (2.77). Blackburn also helped the Ice finish second in the WHL and fifth in the CHL (Canadian Hockey League).

Blackburn's dominating presence in the net earned him an opportunity to play in the NHL. Acquired by the New York Rangers in 2001, Blackburn made his on-ice debut on Oct. 10, 2001, at Madison Square Garden, becoming the fourth youngest goaltender in the NHL. As long-time Ranger goalie Mike Richter recovers from off-season knee surgery, Blackburn has continued to defend the net admirably when called upon.

What qualities do you have that make you such a great goalie?
The best part of my game is my ability to focus on what is happening at the present time and block everything else out. You've got to concentrate at all times on the play and what's happening out there. I also think my competitiveness helps me make some saves that I probably shouldn't get to. I don't give up on any play.

Which NHL goalie has the coolest mask?
There are a lot of great masks in the league. I like Sean Burke's, Nik Khabibulin's and Jeff Hackett's in Montreal because they have a little more to it than just a team logo. But I think my favorite is right in our room with Mike Richter's Liberty Head mask. It's one of the classics and really represents for the team and the city.

Who do you fear most in the NHL?
To play goal in the NHL, you can't fear anybody, or else you've got no chance at being successful. The best players in the world play in the NHL, so you have to respect them all. Certainly top stars like Lemieux, Jagr, Sakic, Modano and others get your attention right away, but you've always got to be on your toes.

Is it challenging to suddenly be playing with teammates who are significantly older than you?
I've always played with older guys coming through amateur hockey, but this is just a little more pronounced. I don't think about it too much, though, because we're all here just doing our job and playing the game. We've got a bunch of great guys on this team who have made it easy for me to adjust, so it has been a very positive experience.

Blackburn vs. Jagr in October 2001.

If you were a member of a boy band, what would the band's name be?
I don't think my dance moves would impress many people, so I think I'll have to sit that one out!

Are you a healthy eater? Do you keep a balanced diet?
Thanks to Mrs. Davidson [wife of NHL commentator John Davidson - DB lives with the Davidson family during the season], I've been able to stay out of the fast food drive-thru. There's always good food to eat and I'm not shy when it comes to having seconds. I like pretty much everything so there's no problem getting a full stomach.

What's your favorite before or after game snack?
Before the game, I do the usual pre-game meal stuff -- chicken, pasta, baked potato, maybe a little steak. After the game, anything goes, but I like to have a nice steak dinner.

What is the greatest compliment a fan could pay you?
That I never quit on a play and that I competed hard for the full 60 minutes. You never stop giving you best out there, no matter the situation or the score!

What is your funniest fan encounter?
I am pretty low key, so I don't have many fan encounter stories. The fans have been really good to me and I enjoy meeting them at all of our community events.

Blackburn vs. Modin in October 2001.

If you went to an NHL game as a spectator, which player would you most want to see on the ice?
That's a tough question because there are so many great players in the game. I think what Mario or Jagr do on the ice at any given second is pretty special, so I might lean towards them, but then again, with some of the highlights of goaltenders like Dominik Hasek, Cujo and others, I might have to give it to them!

As a player, which opposing player would you NOT want to see on the ice?!
Again, Mario or Jagr would come to mind immediately, but there are a number of players that have serious skills. For instance, seeing Brett Hull free in the slot shooting a one-timer is not the best situation for a goaltender!

What advice would you give to kids stepping onto the ice with a hockey stick for the first time?
the game because you enjoy it. It's a game, and it should always be fun!

Maybe he's ordering pizza?

Are there any sports you positively stink at?
I'm working on my golf game because I think it's going to come in handy the way our season is, but I don't think Tiger Woods should be worried!

What motivates you to always give your best?
A lot of people sacrificed in order for me to have the opportunities that I do, and I want to make sure that I make them proud. I would be here if it weren't for them. Also, I feel a responsibility to the fans that pay so much to see us play. They deserve the best effort we can give.

What music do you listen to before a game to pump you up?
There's always various music on in the locker room, but I actually like to keep things pretty quiet and just focus on the game. I take time to mentally prepare for various situations that might happen.

Would you like your coach to dress in uniform during the game?
I think Ronnie looks fine in the suits he wears. Plus, he was a goaltender, so I think all that gear would make things pretty crowded back there!

If you were a school teacher, which subject would you choose to teach?
I think I'd teach math. That way I could always work on a new formula for goals against average to make it lower!