Jay Bouwmeester, the youngest and newest Panther to sink his claws into NHL competition is proving to the world that he is ready to take his team to the next level of competition.
Bouwmeester was acquired by the Panthers who had the third pick overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. When asked if he was disappointed in not being the first overall pick Bouwmeester replied " Not really, It's just so exciting to get drafted and have the opportunity to hopefully one day play".
A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Jay was brought up playing, living and breathing hockey. It's not a surprise that at the youthful age of 19 he is already impacting the hockey world, let alone his home team.
Before entering the NHL at the start of the 2002 season, Bouwmeester played four seasons for Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Jay made the unusual jump straight to the NHL mainly due to his accomplishments in the WHL, where he earned a number of honors and awards which include finishing third in WHL defenseman scoring, fifth overall in league power-play assists (28), named to WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star team, named Medicine Hat's Player of the Year and won teams Top Defenseman honors. And if that were not enough, Jay was one of only four players in Canadian history to appear at the World Junior Championships at the age of 16.
Since entering the NHL last October, this 210-pound left-handed defenseman has done wonders on the ice making things happen for himself and his teammates. Scoring four goals and nine assists since the start of the season, he is known more for his amazing ability to stop opponents on the attack than for his offensive production.
Not only is he 19 years old and playing in the NHL, Jay also got to enjoy a special 2003 All-Star weekend experience playing in the Topps Young Stars Game. He got to show off his skills on his home ice in front of his home fans! Jay tallied an assist and had the chance to show the world that he deserved to be participating.
Before the season ends see if you can catch Jay and the Florida Panthers at an arena near you. Click here for the Panthers schedule.
You played four seasons in Medicine Hat, Alberta in the WHL. Did you ever find out where the name Medicine Hat came from?
No, I did not.
What was the last concert you went to?
Britney Spears
What is your favorite hockey movie?
Slap Shot
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Jasper, Alberta
Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?
Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings)
What do you do when you don't have a hockey game?
I just hangout with friends and try to relax.
If you were a school teacher, which subject would you choose to teach?
I would teach Physical Education because I was not that good at all the other subjects.
What is the greatest compliment a fan could pay you?
Just to introduce themselves, and say they enjoy watching the games.
If you could play any role in the remake of any film, what would it be?
I would be Roy Munson from the movie King Pin.
Do you get nervous before a game? If so, how do you deal with it?
I get a little nervous before games, but once I get out on the ice it all goes away, and I just play the game.
