Prospect Q&A: Trent Miner

Trent Miner was selected at No. 202 overall by the Colorado Avalanche at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound goaltender spent the 2018-19 season with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League. The Brandon, Manitoba, native was the second player from the Giants that the Avalanche selected in this year's draft, the first being defenseman Bowen Byram.

The 18-year-old had a 24-5-1-1 record, three shutouts, 1.98 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in 32 contests during the regular season and posted a 2.73 goals-against average and .885 save percentage in six postseason appearances to help the Giants reach the WHL Finals.
Miner recently discussed his season in Vancouver and being drafted by the Avs with ColoradoAvalanche.com.
What is your favorite hockey memory so far?
"I think last year was pretty memorable. Our team (the Vancouver Giants) went all the way to the finals, and I had never been on a group as tight-knit as that team was and I think we were so successful because of it."
What was your experience like playing for Vancouver?
"Last year was something I had never experienced before. I have played on successful teams that have won championships, but I have never played on a team that was that close all year long. There were no gaps between anyone."

What does it mean to you to be drafted by Colorado?
"They have such a successful history in the club, especially with the last two (seasons), and they obviously have a great development program. Being a part of an organization that is as successful as it is, in the city that it is in as well, will definitely mean a lot."
What was your draft day like?
"I woke up in the morning, had my breakfast and went to the arena. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was with a couple of friends, and I sat there watching the draft. It was awesome to see. You can only prepare yourself so much for when the actual moment happens, it was so surreal."

What does your pregame routine look like? Do you have any superstitions?
"I wouldn't say I have any strategic ones that I have to do and if I don't do them I'm not going to be good. But, there are definitely tangible things I like doing, things like ball work that have been proven to work."
How would you describe your playing style as a goalie?
"I would say aggressive and patient. Aggressive as in where I stand and how I play and patient as in how I handle shots. I am also composed and mentally strong as well."

Do you remember why you started playing hockey, or has it always been part of your life?
"I think with both my brothers playing it, and growing up in Manitoba, there were always the outdoor rinks that were pretty busy in the small towns. Also, lots of road hockey as well."
Who is your all-time favorite player?
"I was always a big fan of Devan Dubnyk growing up and when I was younger, my favorite team was the Edmonton Oilers, so I remember watching him while he was with them."