Interview with Connor Rankin

Before I get to the interview, your Bob Tory Quote of the Day--Playoff Edition:

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more work" -- Jonas Salk

Also, Drinnan reports:

The Tri-City Americans won’t have F Adam Hughesman (knee) back for the opening of their series with the Vancouver Giants. Hughesman, who has been out for a month, is back skating and might return for Game 3.  (Taking Note)

More from the Vancouver Sun:

Americans coach Jim Hiller doesn't expect firstline forward Adam Hughesman to be ready for Friday, saying over the phone from Kennewick that Hughesman is "not ready." Of course, coaches at all levels often fudge injuries at playoff time so you never know. But Hiller didn't sound vague on this one. Hughesman missed the final month of the regular season with a knee injury.

"It doesn't look like Adam will start the series," Hiller continued. "Hopefully we'll see him at some point." (Sun)

The whole article there at the Sun is a great series preview.

Alright, to the interview. I have two interviews lined up and was expecting the other one (a veteran) so you'll be able to tell by my questions I'm not good at thinking on my feet. I even forgot several questions that are on my list.  Regardless of my complete and utter incompetence, Rankin is really down-to-earth and well spoken. There was a lot of background noise on the call so I'm hoping to be able to transcribe it alright.

 Rookie of the Year

"Dave Schultz":  You are a rookie this year but you've had a huge impact, tell me about your experience so far.

Connor Rankin:  Well it's been pretty fun, not many 16-year-olds get to play in the WHL, it's pretty special.  Contributed as well.  All the guys made it real fun for me and hopefully everyone else as well.

DS:  Did the leadership of the team make sure you fit in really well?  (see?  lame question--he already said they did):

CR:  They treat all--they call us 16-year-old grunts--but they treat of us pretty well for being rookies.  Gotta remember your still 16 but it wasn't bad at all

DS:  What's the biggest difference playing at the WHL level?

CR:  Size, speed, skill, the physical play and everything is much tougher here.  More games in a tougher league, it wears on your mind and your body a little bit, that's what I've found to the the toughest part--staying mentally and physically in the game.

DS:  And how have you been able to do that?

CR:  Just block it out, that's the main thing I've tried to do.  Just focus and play hockey and unfortunately school.  I think I've been doing a pretty good job of that.  

DS:  How hard is it as a 16-year-old to balance hockey and school?

CR:  Oh it's pretty tough.  You don't get many classes.  It's tough waking up in the morning after a long day--probably the toughest part.

DS:  What do you do to mentally prepare yourself for games?

CR:  I just lay down, try to have a nap before the game, clear my mind of everything and just focus on the game itself.

DS:  If there was any part of your game that you could improve right now, what would it be?

CR:  Sam, what would you say would be the most improved thing for me?  (Sam:  I don't know) I'd probably say for me skating stride.  Can always get better at skating most important for the game I think.

DS:  (If the Sam mentioned is Sam Grist, that explains a lot of the background noise LOL)  Is there a particular NHL player that you pattern your game after?

CR:  Marian Hossa.  Just 'cause he's a power forward with a little bit of skill in there.  Everyone says I play like Marian Hossa.

DS:  Do you have any pre-game rituals to get you pumped to play?

CR:  Not really rituals, the roundabout by the rink, I just do a lap around that before I go in.  No superstitions, nothing special, just warm up.

DS:  For you what is the best part of being a member of a team?

CR:  A lot of things being a part of the organization, the coaches, the GM, the fans--they're really amazing.  It's really an honor playing for this team in every way possible.

DS:  What has been your favorite off-ice team building activity?

CR:  I like to golf.  On my time off I like to get out an golf--when the weather's nice anyway

DS:  Tell me about your family

CR:  I have mom, dad, and a sister.  Other than that it's pretty small, grandparents and my cousins.  My family is very supportive, especially when I came down here, they come almost every two weeks, when they don't they're pretty sad about it.  They really love me playing and stuff.  Try to be supportive.

DS:  What's the best piece of advice you ever got and from whom?

CR:  You guys really need to shut up, I'm on the phone, eh?  My peewee coach told me this one quote that's stuck with me--you gotta hate to lose more than you love to win.  It's basically saying if you win it's good but if you lose it should hurt more and learn from your mistakes.

DS:  If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

CR:  Who would I have dinner with...I'd probably say Matt Duchene, he's my favorite NHL player, seems like a cool guy.

DS:  What actor would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

CR:  Brad Pitt

DS:  What's your favorite rink to play in other than home:

CR:  Probably Vancouver 'cause it's my hometown and knowing that all my friends and family are going to watch me is pretty fun.

DS:  Are you excited to face the Giants in the playoffs?

CR:  Yeah, it's pretty cool playing them in the playoffs, then all my friends and family can come and watch, that's fun for me but probably a lot more fun for them.

DS:  Final question--waffles or pancakes?

CR:  Waffles

DS:  Good answer.  Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, good luck in the playoffs!