AHL: QA with Dustin Boyd

Calgary Flames 2004 third-round pick Dustin Boyd was a pleasant surprise in 2006-07, leading the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights in scoring, despite missing 14 less games, while earning his full NHL paycheck by skating in 13 games, collecting two goals and two assists. Boyd was back in the AHL to start the 2007-08 season, but in a new city, as the Knights are now the Quad City Flames. McKeen's recently talked with the second-year pro and discussed his new surroundings, his impressive rookie season, his time in the NHL, the new coach in Calgary, and his efforts to become a responsible two-way center.

McKeen's: You finished last season in Omaha. You are in the Quad Cities this year. How are things different?

Boyd: Well, first and foremost, it's a new city. Every year is a new year and different challenges are put upon us. With a new city, we've got to go out there and show the caliber of hockey and keep them coming out.

McKeen's: You tied for first in scoring for Omaha last year despite missing 14 games, many of which while you were recalled. What are some of the things that helped you achieve that in your rookie season and were you expecting that level of success that first year?

Boyd: I don't think I really knew what to expect. Being the first, you want to go out there and you want to play your best and you want to score goals. For me, it went really well. I couldn't have asked for a better rookie season.

McKeen's: You played in 13 games in the NHL amongst four recalls last year. What was it like to get that first call-up and to play in the NHL, in general?

Boyd: Growing up, that was my dream, to play in the NHL. That was really something, to get a call-up last season, being 20 years old, it's something special. Playing in the NHL and playing against those guys, it's unbelievable and for me, I had a blast.

McKeen's: What was it like with the up/down, up/down for a little while?

Boyd: Well, it's tough. I had a lot of miles, but being a hockey player, you've got to battle through that. I wouldn't mind that happening again. [Note: A few days after this interview, Boyd received his wish and was recalled by Calgary Nov. 22.]

McKeen's: Was it any easier during the last stint, as that was an eight-game stint for you?

Boyd: I think the more you play up there, the more confidence you get and the better you play. For me, you feel more comfortable out there making plays, you're not afraid out there. The more games I played up there, the better I felt.

McKeen's: What was it like to score that first goal, a game-winner on Jan. 6 against Dallas?

Boyd: It was unbelievable. I just crashed the net and the puck was there and for me, it went in. That's about all I remember.

McKeen's: If I remember correctly, the day after your next goal, you were sent down. How did you take that?

Boyd: It happens. It's part of the game. You've got to know that you're up there on a call-up stint and maybe, just hoping to get called back up.

McKeen's: While you were playing in Calgary, what was your role with the team and who did you skate with the most?

Boyd: Well, I skated with [Stephane] Yelle and [David] Moss for the most part. For me, it was just go up there and play with a lot of energy and create chances on the forecheck and of course, be strong defensively and just go out there and play your game.

McKeen's: You played your stints last year under Jim Playfair. This year, a new coach in Mike Keenan. You only skated under him in training camp, but what are some of the differences between Keenan and Playfair?

Boyd: Well, Keenan's definitely a no-nonsense guy. You're either working or you're getting yelled at. I was only up there for a little bit during training camp, but you could tell that he's hard on guys, but he expects a lot, too.

McKeen's: What are some of the things that Calgary wants you to work on this season with Quad City so that you can get back up there?

Boyd: I think they wanted me to work on my all-around game. Offensively, they want me to continue and kind of just work on the little things and just sharpen the game up.

McKeen's: On the flipside, what do you feel are the strengths of your game presently?

Boyd: Well, it's offensively. I want to be a good two-way centerman, faceoffs, all that stuff, and bring a lot of energy and speed. That's kind of my game.

McKeen's: Is that the sort of role you see yourself, hopefully, in the future in the NHL, is a two-way type of guy?

Boyd: Oh definitely, a two-way center that can put pucks in the net and be a playmaking center. That's where I see myself in the future and that's where I want to be.

McKeen's: I have heard it said that there is a lot of symmetry between the styles of play under coach Ryan McGill and then also up in Calgary, since it is a Darryl Sutter hockey team. Is that accurate, and if so, does that help guys under recall?

Boyd: Well, I think for the most part, it's the same system, maybe just a few minor differences. They both expect a lot out of you. They're both hard on you, so they expect the best. They want you to reach your full potential.

McKeen's: Calgary is definitely an organization that focuses on two-way play.

Boyd: Definitely. If you can't play both ends, you're not going to play in the National Hockey League.

McKeen's: Lastly, who are some of your fellow Quad City Flames teammates that really impress you, on or off the ice?

Boyd: Warren Peters. He's a heart-and-soul-kind-of guy. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He battles every shift. Guys like Grant Stevenson, a lot of finesse, make a lot of plays and on the backend, a guy like Palin. There are a lot of good players here.