You've probably told this story a lot, but how does a guy from South Florida become a top hockey prospect?
"Well, my dad is from Michigan and my mom is from New York, and they loved hockey growing up. I was born in Florida, and my dad was a huge Red Wings fan, but when the Florida Panthers started in 1993, he kind of converted to a Panthers' fan, just because it was close to our house.
"He always went to games, and when I was born, at six months old he would take me to games. He would always put a hockey stick in my hand, like outside, for street hockey. From there, I just started skating around 3-years old, and it just picked up from there."
Are there a lot of rinks in that area?
"It's definitely growing. There's one only five minutes from my house, and it's where the Panthers practice, so that's a nice facility, and then there's another one within 20 or 30 minutes."
What was it like going from South Florida to play for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL?
"Well, I went to a prep school in Connecticut, actually, when I was 14. It was cold there, but when I went to Green Bay for my senior year, that was something I wasn't expecting."
What was the hardest part?
"Probably waking up around 7 a.m. for school, and walking outside when it was about a negative-30 wind chill, and cars frozen and cold inside. That was probably the worst part about the weather there. I heard it wasn't too bad, for them, but it was still the worst I've ever experienced."
Did you shovel with your billet family?
"Not much, actually. My billet dad had one of those snow plowers …"
A snowblower?
"Yeah, one of those things. So, he always did that for the driveway."
Nice. So, let's talk a little hockey. How are things going at Notre Dame, and what kind of stuff did you want to improve from last season?
"Things are going pretty good. We're on a 13-game winning streak, and we're just playing some good hockey right now. Mainly, I wanted to work on my skating this season, and just keep getting better in that area. The game keeps getting faster, so you have to be able to skate."
How nice is it to be at this camp with Team USA, practicing where you hope to play for the Blue Jackets some day?
"It's really nice. I've actually been to two prospects camps with the Blue Jackets here, so I'm starting to know this area a little bit now. I think it's going to be a great experience."
What kind of defenseman are you?
"I'd say that I'm a two-way guy. I'm good defensively, but also try to contribute offensively when I can, too."
So, Werenski or Jones?
"Ooh, that's a tough one. Hmmm. I mean, they're both great. I like watching them both. I think I'm going to have to go with Werenski, though."
The Michigan guy? Are you allowed to like a Michigan guy, playing for Notre Dame?
"That's true. That's a good point. I mean, Michigan is our main rival. We really get up for those guys. Those are intense [games]. Maybe I'll change that one."
