Brian Williams interview

Remember last season when I couldn't get over how incredible rookie Connor Rankin was playing night in and night out?  Jump ahead to this season and the same can be said about Brian Williams.  He's quick and tenacious.  Sure, he's got some learning to do, and he could use some bulking up, but overall he's been quite impressive.  Obviously the coaching staff feels the same as Brian has been given a ton of ice time and has even been on the power play.  I got the chance to chat with him a little bit, it's been almost 2 weeks ago now, I have not had one spare second to transcribe the interview until now.

Dave Schultz: What have been the biggest adjustments you've had to make coming into the WHL?

Brian Williams: Definitely the speed and the size for sure. Everything else took some getting used to but those were definitely the two things that I really had to improve my game to get to their level.

DS: And you've had a lot of time on the power play, is that where you've had to make the most adjustments?

BW: Yeah for sure, cuz I haven't had to think this much on the power play, it's just skate it, stick handle and shoot. Now there's more thought behind it, that's another adjustment I've made too.

DS: What were some goals you set for coming into this season, personal and teamwise?

BW: Personal, just be more assertive with the puck, get to the net. And as a team, just to win. More specific try to get along.

DS: I interviewed Brendan Shinnimin yesterday (told you this interview was a while ago) so I've gone from twenty-year-old to 16. How have the veterans on the team provided leadership for you and helped you make that transition?

BW: They've taken us in with open arms for sure, better than I thought they would. It helped a lot, it really has. A confidence booster for sure.

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

BW: Nothing really rigorous, I just listen to music, just relax, just kinda sit there

DS: Any specific tune that gets you ready to play?

BW: Not really, just put in on shuffle

DS: There ya go. How have you improved as player from a year ago, that sort of goes along with the first question?

BW: Oh gosh, that could be a long list. First thing that comes to my head is just how quick I've gotten with the puck, the thought process behind everything. I used to have 2 seconds with the puck, now I've got a split second with the puck. It's that much of a difference.

DS: That is really interesting (that sounds fake, but I found it fascinating). If you could improve any one area of your game right now, what would that be?

BW: Oh gosh, that could be another long list. Just getting bigger, in general. I'm still tiny.

DS: Do you pattern your play after any particular NHL player?

BW: Nope. I don't really watch that much hockey, really. Most of my hockey is when I'm focused and at the rink. When I'm away from the rink, it's more relaxed.

DS: Do you play NHL12?

BW: Nope, we have the game, I've played it once.

DS: What's the best part about being a member of a team?

BW: Just being with a good group of guys. There's just one guy that can ruin it, that makes it worse, but we don't have that one guy. Everyone just gets along so well. It's great to come to the rink with that. There's no one guy that ruins the fun. I love coming to the rink knowing it's just a good group of guys.

DS: That's really great to hear. So what then has been your favorite off-ice team building activity?

BW: Definitely the paintballing.

DS: Who has influenced you the most in your hockey career?

BW: Gosh. Definitely my parents. They always told me to keep pushing no matter how much adversity I face. Even coming here, being by myself, they tell me to keep pushing, keep pushing. Things will get better.

DS: Who is the biggest prankster on the team?

BW: Oh gosh, we have a few. Because they're so good at keeping it a secret, I can't put my finger on anyone. I really couldn't tell you.

DS: What are your favorite and least favorite arenas to play at so far?

BW: Favorite's here. Another favorite, I really liked Medicine Hat. That was a fun place to play in, it's just so loud. Least favorite? Spokane. For sure. We never win there, we have a hard time winning there, and it's just a tough crowd too.

DS: Yes, they are. If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?

BW: No one off the top of my head really

DS: Best advice you ever got and from whom?

BW: Oh gosh. I don't know. Just...it'd just be something stupid like 'try your best' or something. There's nothing that comes to mind.

DS: What hobbies or activities do you have away from the rink?

BW: XBox. I love to play XBox. Just hang out with friends, go to the movies or whatever.

DS: What song are you embarrassed to have on your ipod?

BW: Mariah Carey. I forget--I just know it's Mariah Carey and I love it.

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

BW: Oh gosh. I don't know. I don't know who could really play me.

DS: Ok last one, waffles or pancakes?

BW: Pancakes. I love pancakes. With syrup and butter, just plain.

DS: Awesome, thanks for taking the time to talk with me, best of luck this season!