Brian Campbell Interview

Brian Campbell Interview:

Good Things Happen to Those That Wait (posted 01.11.07)

by David Burstyn

If one thing could be said about Brian Campbell it is that he is patient. He is the product of years of grooming when it was still undetermined if a player of his stature, 5'10-190 could be an NHL defenseman. An accomplished player in junior, winning both a Memorial Cup and top defenseman honours with the Ottawa 67's his rise to the NHL did not happen as quickly as he would have thought. The sixth round pick of the '97 draft spent the better parts of the next three years playing in Rochester with the occasional cup of coffee with the Sabres. Not until his 23rd birthday did he remain full time with the club but even then he was used only sparingly. It was only until the NHL adopted the new rules could a player of his calibre thrive in the league. His break out season came last year where he emerged as the Sabres top scoring defenseman. Proving that he wasn't a one year fluke he carried his strong play into this season proving to not only his team mates but to the entire league that he is deserving of a spot among the leagues best; when he was nominated to the ballot of the All-Star game.

McKeen's recently had a chance to catch up with Campbell and talk about everything from his junior career to his success in the pros.

McKeen's: Quite a difference a year makes. As last year you were struggling to find a spot on the team and now it is hard to imagine you out of the line up. What are your thoughts?

Brian Campbell: It's amazing what you can do with an opportunity. I saw mine and was going to take full advantage of it when I got my playing time.

McKeen's: For the better parts of three seasons you were in and out of this line up. How did you stay motivated?

Brian Campbell: Working hard in practise and once again taking advantage of that small window of opportunity that presents itself. If you are not ready then you are just sitting there again and end up behind the eight ball as there are always guys who will work harder than you if you don't.

McKeen's: Were there ever times when frustration and disappointment set in?

Brian Campbell: There are times when you feel you played well enough to be in the line up but sometimes it is a situation of numbers. I am not a quitter and things can seem bleak and frustrating at times but you still have to hammer things out and realize at times that is just the way things go, so it all depends on how you approach things.

McKeen's: How much did the AHL experience better prepare you?

Brian Campbell: It was good. They have a great coaching staff and it really helped me to develop my confidence, which finally came in the third year (laughs).

McKeen's: What kind of affect did Coach Brian Kilrea and your fantastic seasons in Ottawa (OHL) have in terms of your development?

Brian Campbell: I learned a lot from Coach Kilrea and matured under his guidance. I went from being a child to developing into a man while playing on consistently winning teams.

McKeen's: Were you surprised after your junior career you still had so much work to do?

Brian Campbell: It has never been a case of me not wanting to work. I mean I understood it was more of a business and you can see some positives out of that and you have to move on.

McKeen's: What were the major areas of development?

Brian Campbell: Learning the pro game by recognizing your time and space better particularly when to pinch or hang back. It was a big difference than what it was in Ottawa when our break outs consisted of myself or Nick Boynton (Phoenix) grabbing the puck and skating it out. (Says with a big smile)

McKeen's: The new rule changes. How have they helped Brian Campbell's game?

Brian Campbell: It's a big change. I mean when a 220 pound player puts a tug or a stick on me or Danny (Briere) it holds you back quite a bit. Now we have a little freer reign and are able to make plays. It helps the game; there are more positives which makes it a better product and more entertaining.

McKeen's: Your hard work and ability to play this position despite the required size has inspired others to follow in your footprints. What do you say to people who say you are still too small?

Brian Campbell: They can say what they want but the bottom line is the game has changed and is moving in the direction of skill over brawn. You really have to be more aware out there of your position and that forces you to move your feet and effectively stick check. You change your style of game but I feel confident and strong enough to handle the rigours of the league.

McKeen's: How did it feel to be recognized by the fans to be on the All-Star ballot?

Brian Campbell: That's a little far fetched for me. I am in complete awe as it is such an honour to be considered. I don't really see myself in that category but it is incredibly rewarding to know that my hard work and dedication has paid off and gotten me this far.