I had a chance to chat with Miles Koules of the US Under-18 Program last week for a more extensive interview for the
Future Considerations 2012 NHL Draft Guide. I quickly added a couple questions that Twitter/HockeyBuzz followers sent my way, so here you are, folks. Enjoy.
(Check out the above link for a chance to win a game-worn Griffin Reinhart helmet.)
How did you start in hockey?
My dad played hockey, so when I was younger I started skating. By six I was in hockey.
Your dad played a couple years in the WHL, including a time with the Medicine Hat Tigers. How has he helped you in your career thus far?
When I was younger he always gave me his two cents on hockey and different situations in the sport, to help me understand more. He's taught me different ways to shoot. He's just brought that love, playing all the time, and really helping me bring out my love of the game.
How do you keep from burning out as a hockey player?
I've always kept up with different sports until recently, playing golf and baseball, so it wasn't all hockey. But it's just the love, like I said.
What motivated you to step away from your commitment to the University of North Dakota, and sign with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, instead?
Look at how many games they play in the Dub compared to college. I thought it was the best move for me, to learn different things that work in different games, getting more reps. I met with Coach Clouston and GM McEwen, and it just felt like the right fit. I knew it was right, so I just decided to take the chance.
How has your work with Matt Nichol and the Biosteel Camps been beneficial for you?
Training with Biosteel is great; it's a good mix of on-ice and the workouts. Even just taking the supplements helps, but I think it's a situation where I'm around professional athletes, to see the dedication it takes to be at a high level. Last year at the Biosteel Camp was all pro guys with Yakupov, Galchenyuk and my self. As good as Nail is, even he was amazed by how good they were and how hard they worked. Even though we're good players, it really opened our eyes as to how far we have to go.
What do you feel you can take away from your year?
I feel like I've gotten faster this year, but even just the moving down has helped me with adversity this year. It's been a real mental game.
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- Edmonton has moved onto the Memorial Cup with a Game 7 win over the Portland Winterhawks. They join the London Knights, Shawinigan Cataractes and Saint John Sea Dogs.
- Put me down for LA in 5 and New York in 7, for the NHL Playoffs.
- According to
Dimitri Chesnokov, Leo Komarov will officially join the Leafs this summer. Drafted in the 6th round of 2006, the Leafs will add a bottom six energy player in the mold of a Jarkko Ruutu on an ELC.
- Some rumors via
Slava Malamud that CSKA will make a rather large pitch for the services of Mikhail Grigorenko. Anyone see a draft stock plummeting if true?
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