On his first professional exposure:
“It was good. We put a nice little run together to make the playoffs, and then unfortunately we lost three games in OT. But I thought I played well, and I was just happy with my transition to the American League.”
On what he learned from playing professionally:
“Just how professional everyone was on and off the ice. There’s no one really looking after you like there kind of was in college a little bit. But I enjoyed it. I liked it a lot, so I was happy with my move.”
On what he’s looking to accomplish at training camp:
“Just playing my game – playing physical and moving pucks and just being consistent whenever I’m on the ice.”
On fellow University of North Dakota product Matt Frattin:
“I played with him at North Dakota for a year, and he’s an awesome guy. One of the hardest shots I’ve ever seen. I think he had 36 goals my freshman year. He got snubbed at the Hobey, though. He’s a great team guy. He sticks up for his teammates, and he plays really hard. I know the guys here will love him.”
On whether he has a relationship with UND product Matt Greene:
“Just from when I’ve been out here, getting to know him and stuff, and sometimes he’s back in North Dakota, and we’d talk and do some stuff together. He’s been awesome, just showing me around out here and stuff like that. He’s a great guy.”
On playing at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND:
“It’s unbelievable. It’s hands down the best rink I’ve ever played in, and I don’t think there’s many rinks that can top that. It’s a pretty special place.”
On the transition from college to the AHL:
“I think all the players were just a lot smarter. I didn’t really think the game was that much faster or anything. You had to make more plays, and I think that’s what everyone was looking to do. There’s a lot more playmaking. So I liked it a lot.”
On the physical challenges of the AHL:
“To be honest, maybe just how hoften you play the games. In college, you play two games a week and then you have a whole week off. Up at the pro level you’ve got three games a week, and that took a little time to get used to, especially in that playoff run, playing a lot of games in a short period of time. But I think I adjusted pretty well, and I’ve just got to work on my conditioning for that next year.”
–courtesy KingsVision
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