Jordan Binnington, a former third round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, turned pro this year with the Kalamazoo Wings of the East Coast Hockey League. Binnington started establishing himself as a high end goalie prospect with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, two seasons ago. This year, he posted impressive numbers in his first professional season.
Binnington posted a 23-13-3 record with the Wings this season, boasting a 2.35 goals against average, and a .922 save percentage. He played in three playoff games with the Wings, going 1-1-1, with a 1.89 GAA and a .946 SV%.
I was able to chat with Jordan, talking his first professional season, his NHL draft experience, and more. Enjoy.
Randall Ritchey : With the NHL draft coming up, I wanted to know about your experience. You were a third round pick back in 2011, what was your experience like when you were drafted?
Jordan Binnington : It was pretty unbelievable. Everything that went into it, all the preparation, The anxiousness of waiting for your name to be called. It was a great day for me and my family and I'll never forget it. St. Louis have been a great organization and I'm very greatful to be drafted by the St. Louis Blues.
RR : You had a strong season, transitioning from the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL to the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. How would you rate your season this year?
JB : It was a pretty good season for me. No goalie will ever be able to look back at a season and say he didn't let in a bad goal a year. There are always things I can clean up, but overall I think it was a pretty good year in Kalamazoo. I met a lot of great people and the coaching staff was incredible. It was a great year of experience for me.
RR : With Jake Allen moving up to the NHL, it's looking more and more like you'll be holding down the fort with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey league. Do you have any expectations for next season?
JB : I don't really have any expectations going into next year. I'm going to come into camp in the best shape I can be, and just play my game. Nothing is guaranteed, so I have to go into next season with the mindset that my job can be taken at any time. There is always competition in pro hockey, especially as a goalie, so I'm just going into next season with the right mindset and looking to win some games.
RR : Is there any certain goalie you really enjoy watching or that you model yourself after?
JB : I really like watching Carey Price lately, he's got great composure and he's very calm in net. I also like Pekka Rinne with his great athleticism and his compete level, it's fun to watch. Not to mention Jonathan Quick and his flexability and aggressiveness. I just try and take little things from different goalies and see what works.
One has to love the attitude and confidence in Binnington's game. He a very calm goaltender and a calm person as well. He's got great potential and it's going to be fun watching him grow as a goaltender as he works his way up the ranks as he pushes to make the National Hockey League.