Getting To Know: Adam Werner

Colorado Avalanche goaltending prospect Adam Werner was the team's fourth selection (fifth round, 131st overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. The left-handed-catching netminder stands at a towering 6-foot-5 and weighs in at 198 pounds.
A native of Mariestad, Sweden, Werner played 25 games last year and recorded a 2.98 goals-against average and .892 save percentage with IF Bjorkloven in the Swedish Allsvenskan league, Sweden's second-highest pro league. He was also on his country's squad for the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The 20-year-old recently talked with ColoradoAvalanche.com about being drafted, the differences between Sweden and the U.S. and what he likes to do away from the rink.
How has your game progressed in the past year?
"I think it is getting better. I learned a lot of stuff last season like how to prepare for every game, especially when you play 10 games in a row. So I have learned a lot, for sure."
How does the game in North America differ from the game in Sweden?
"It's a smaller rink, so it's a lot tighter to the goal and there are a lot more shots. When a guy comes into the zone, there is a good chance to score so you need to be ready more often here."
When did you first start skating?
"I don't really know, but probably around 2 or 4 years old."
What made you want to be a goalie?
"I think it was the stuff. All the gear. I always enjoyed the goalie gear and stuff like that."
Who was your favorite goalie growing up?
"Henrik Lundqvist, of course."
What is your favorite hockey memory to date?
"I think last year at the draft. When I got drafted, it was a big thing. It's hard to understand directly, but it was a big thing."
What is your favorite part about the U.S. and Colorado?
"I like it here. It's warm outside, and it's great to play hockey here. I also really like country music; country music is good. It isn't very big in Sweden, but I like it."
How does your height help you in goal?
"There are a lot of positives about it, but sometimes you can get too big which causes you to get slow. So I need to work on my power, which takes time."
What is your favorite food?
"Tacos. Tacos are good."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"Play some golf. I started this year so I am not so good, but I still play. So, golf and be with friends."
What is your favorite band?
"I like the Foo Fighters."
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
"There are many people to choose, but in hockey probably Hank (Lundqvist). He isn't only good at the rink, but he has so many things around him, so I think Hank would be cool."