Dion Phaneuf Interview: The Boy inside the Man

To suggest Dion Phaneuf is not a player 29 other teams would covet would be the under statement of the year. The second year blue liner for the Calgary Flames had a sensational rookie season in which he managed to score 20 goals, third highest by a rookie defenseman and most ever by a Flame. His 49 points were the second highest point totals by a Flames defenseman trailing only that of Gary Suter, a Calder Trophy winner back in 1986. Phaneuf continues to get better at the NHL level and the coaching he received during his four-year career in Red Deer of the WHL has paid off as Phaneuf logs an average of 28 minutes per games.

McKeen's had a chance to sit down with Phaneuf and ask him a series of questions about his NHL career to date.

McKeen's: How flattering is it when people suggest that you are a player that a franchise could build around?

Dion Phaneuf: I mean it is great. It is not something I overly think about but when I hear it is very complimentary. I worked very hard to get here and for people to say that makes me feel that much more proud about my achievements.

McKeen's: How surreal was last season. I mean 20 goals. Did you even expect that?

Dion Phaneuf: First and foremost, when I came into camp I wanted to make the team. I was like a sponge in training camp, trying to learn as much as I could from the older more experienced defenseman in this locker room. Everyone was very supportive, and they took me aside and showed me some little things to work on, thus making the transition easier at this level.

McKeen's: You are still producing offensively and have no problems in that regard however how have players been approaching you in your second year?

Dion Phaneuf: When I came into the league last year, many teams didn't really know my style of play or how to approach me. This year has been slightly different, it is no secret that teams will target me but I think with being more experienced in the league I am able to recognize those changes and adjust my game accordingly.

McKeen's: This is more of a veteran like team and you are the youngest player on it. Whom have you forged a close relationship with?

Dion Phaneuf: Roman Hamrlik has been there for me since day one. The older guys are all very welcoming as well, which makes me feel like I belong. Tony Amonte and Daymond Langkow are experienced guys who have been in the league for a long time and have done wonders for my game.

McKeen's: Who are some of the tougher guys in this league that you have a hard time playing against?

Dion Phaneuf: This is the best league in the world, so anybody can burn you on any given night. I mean in Buffalo for example you have Dany Briere. He is very elusive and shifty and he can put the puck in the net. There are just too many to mention.

McKeen's: Let us go back to the 2005 WJC. You played on a very impressive team. Are you surprised that you are playing against many of your ex-team mates so fast in the NHL?

Dion Phaneuf: I mean that was a great team. That being said the jump to the NHL is not an easy one so I think it speaks volumes that so many guys are now in the league from that squad.

McKeen's: Do you still keep in contact with anybody from that team?

Dion Phaneuf: Clarke MacArthur is a good friend of mine and someone I will always be friends with.

McKeen's: It has been talked about before but just how important were the Sutter's involvement with you in terms of your development and where your career is at?

Dion Phaneuf: I can't say enough about them. Brent coached me in junior for four years and he helped me tremendously. Daryl, being the coach last year (Calgary) was no different than his brother in terms of demanding a lot. However all they ask is that you give them an honest effort every night and I did that and continue to do that largely in part to the work ethic they instilled in me.