Fan In Van

Draft Interview: Zach Boychuk

Zach Boychuk is the lightning-quick speedster from Airdrie, Alberta and most recently, is one of the top prospects up for grabs at the upcoming 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He has represented Canada at the World U-18 Championships, the Summit Series and the World Junior Championships while leading his WHL team Lethbridge Hurricanes to the finals, where they lost to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Spokane Chiefs.

Before he set off for Ottawa for this weekend’s draft, Zach was kind enough to grant FanInVan.Com an exclusive interview, where he talks about the possibilities of being a Canuck, his year with the Hurricanes, and what he’s looking forward to in the future. Boychuk headlines this year’s Draft Countdown.

F: The first question Vancouver Canuck fans want to know: Did the Canuck organization contact you or interview you at the Draft Combine?

ZB: Yes, they were my last interview after meeting with 23 teams in total.

F: If the Vancouver Canucks were to draft you on June 20th, which Canuck player would you be looking forward to playing with the most?

ZB: Markus Naslund.

F: How excited are you for the draft, and can you describe what you’re feeling as it gets closer?

ZB: I am getting more and more excited the closer it gets. [However,] I’m really looking forward to relaxing with my family prior to the draft and touring some parts of Ontario.

F: You played almost 200 games in a Lethbridge Hurricanes uniform and got them past the first round in the postseason for the first time in 11 years. How important was it for your development to play in the WHL?

ZB: Playing in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes has been so important for my development not only as a player, but as a person. They really helped me improve my game in all areas, as well as school and other things away from the rink.

F: Sticking with your development, did you ever entertain any offers to possibly play in the NCAA, and if yes, why did you choose the WHL?

ZB: No; when I was drafted to the Hurricanes, I was committed on playing in the WHL.

F: Given the success of smaller players like Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner, do you think NHL teams no longer believe size is an issue when drafting players?

ZB: Players like Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner are helping change the game and opening more and more people’s eyes that smaller players can be great even at the NHL level. I love watching those guys play and obviously they deserve to be where they are. A lot of small players get stereotyped as strictly skilled guys that shy away from the tough parts of the game but they are always right in the middle of everything and I hope to be like them when I play in the NHL.

F: There are a lot of scouts and armchair GMs who want to steer clear of you simply because of your size. In your opinion, what sorts of strengths separate you from the rest of the top ten picks?

ZB: I think there are lots of good things that separate me from the other players in the draft but my main strengths are my will to win, competitiveness, and determination… As well as a few dangles once in while.

F: You’re from Airdrie, Alberta. Who did you cheer for growing up, the Calgary Flames or Edmonton Oilers?

ZB: The Flames.

F: As an Alberta boy, was Calgary’s 5’6” Theoren Fleury (one of the NHL’s smallest players in history) an inspiration to you growing up?

ZB: Yeah, he was an amazing player in the NHL and getting to watch him while I was growing up was definitely inspiring and also helped me realize my goals were achievable.

F: Which NHL arena are you looking forward to playing in the most? Why?

ZB: I’m looking forward to playing in the arena where my home team plays. I guess you would have to ask me after the draft, and then I’ll tell you. I’ve always dreamed of playing in front of 20,000 fans that are cheering for you.

F: Which current NHL goalie would you least like to face in the shootout? Why?

ZB: Mathieu Garon, because he is a lefty.

F: Last question. Are you looking at playing in the NHL next season or returning with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, or are you simply going to go wherever your prospective NHL team wants to place you?

ZB: Right now, my main focus is to work as hard as I can so I can create an opportunity to play in the NHL next season with the team I am drafted by. Just like any other training camp I’ve been to, I’ll try to take someone else’s spot on the roster and if the team feels I am not ready, then I will go back to Lethbridge and have another great year.