How are you feeling heading into the conference finals?
I think that myself and our whole team are very excited about the opportunity. We have worked extremely hard to get to this point and we are proud of that, but by no means are we satisfied.
What has the locker room been like with the recent success?
When you have success, you build a level of confidence, and that confidence is huge in the playoffs. That confidence allows us to take the ups and downs and with a locker room of veterans that have been through long playoff runs, we all get a sense of the mentality we have to approach each day with.
How much has that veteran presence affected this team?
We are very lucky to have these veterans that keep us even keeled. They give us an understanding of just how much it takes to win, and it keeps us on our toes. They also take the leadership role of knowing when to push us a little extra, because they know it will help us in the long run. It's been huge for the success of this team.
You faced the Texas Stars twice in the final games of the regular season, how can you learn from those matchups and have success against them in the conference finals?
It's going to be a tough series, obviously being the conference finals. Texas is a strong two-way team that plays hard, with a mixture of grit and skill, and also a strong goaltender. It is going to be a challenge, but if we continue to do the little things that have gotten us here I believe we will be okay.
What is a key trait about this IceHogs team that has separated you from the pack?
Our ability to keep attacking teams no matter the score. We continue to play without worrying about the outcome. As a group we have worked tremendously hard to get to this point and we know if we go out and play the results will take care of themselves. Everyone knows what needs to be done and if someone needs to step up, we expect them to do so. It's what makes us so special.
From a birds-eye-view, it feels as if this team has a strong family feel, is there any truth to that?
We are definitely a family. People will always say that they are, but this is different. Everyone is very close. We love to have fun and at the end of the day we will always have eachother's back. With that feeling of togetherness, there is no pressure on us so we can just go out and play.
What was your biggest takeaway from your time in the NHL and how has it boosted you in the playoffs?
It was an honor to play those 13 games and get the chance to see what it is like to play in those bigger environments. It's different and you have to get used to it. I think getting to feel that pressure has helped me perform in the playoffs because every night is a big night.
How did your mindset change as a rookie when you realized you would be looked at as a main point of offensive production?
Coming into the year I wanted to work as hard as I could and fill a role for this team. I wasn't sure if that would be offensively, defensively or where but it didn't matter and still doesn't. It was nice to produce early and show that there is longevity in my production. I just try to attack each night as a new opportunity. I may not score, and I may not do anything spectacular, but I can do the little things right, and doing those things are how you get rewarded.
Where have you seen your game grow the most this season?
My whole game has grown because everything is different at this level. But the biggest thing I have seen and through talking with the coaches has been having more poise with the puck. I have a better understanding of when and where to make a play now. It is a major improvement at this level because everyone is so good, that you have to understand time and place in order to have any sort of chance and I have given myself one with the strides I have made.
Beyond just a Calder Cup, what goals are you shooting towards this offseason?
It is going to be a big summer for myself and I am really looking forward to it. I want to continue to take it day-by-day and get better with each opportunity. If I can do that then the bigger goals that I have set myself will be attainable.
