Interview: WHL Seattle Thunderbirds Colin Jacobs
McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey?
Colin Jacobs: I played in my home town of Dallas,Texas, with a team called the Dallas Icesheds until, at 16 I joined the Seattle Thunderbirds.
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McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment to your game that you had to make to play at this level?
Jacobs: I think playing a pro- style and getting used to playing a 72 game schedule was a big adjustment. Working hard in the corners and the d-zone, as the fore-checking is a lot more persistant and organized in this league and your decision making has to be more decisive.
McKeen's: What is the strongest part of your game, and what are some of the things you want to work on this season?
Jacobs: I like to use my size to my advantage to create open space. I feel I shoot the puck well with good velocity. I want to work on being consistant every game, and my defensive game.
McKeen's: I noticed you have been winning a lot of face-offs. Have you been working on that as well?
Jacobs: In the summer I was working with a couple of guys on face-offs. It's really about bearing down and concentrating on winning the draw with that mental determination.
McKeen's: This being your draft year, there will be a lot of scouts watching you , does that bother you?
Jacobs: The first few games yes, but then I realized I just have to go out and play hard and let them be the judge at the end of the day.
McKeen's: How much importance do you put on defense in reaching the NHL or pro-level?
Jacobs: Defense is the biggest part of playing a great two-way game in the NHL. I will be working real hard this season on that aspect of the game.
McKeen's: What is it like playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds?
Jacobs: I love every part of it, from the trainers to the coach and G.M. The Thunderbirds are a classy organization that I'm proud to play for.
McKeen's: Is there any set goals this season that you set for yourself or the team?
Jacobs: My goals really are just to help this team win. There is nothing really that I have set out to accomplish before the season started.
McKeen's: Your playing in a tough division where it is possible every team could vie for a play-off spot , does that put any added pressure on you every game?
Jacobs: All these teams will battle you hard every night to get these valuable points in the standings, so, yes, it puts us all to the test every game.
McKeen's: Compare how far hockey has come in the United States over say the last 10 years?
Jacobs: It's turning into a nationwide game. The game has progressed so far as to have registration increased in my home state of Texas to double the amount of players that were playing 10 years ago. Also, the game has become popular in California and Nevada.
McKeen's: Another talented player, Seth Jones hails from the state of Texas. Did you ever play with him or against him?
Jacobs: He played a few games with me in Dallas as a 16 year old. He's a very talented player and has a great career ahead of him.
McKeen's: What made you choose the WHL and major junior hockey, over say the National Team Development Program (NTDP) or NCAA or United States Hockey League programs?
Jacobs: I just thought that I would be better and more prepared as a player by playing major junior, as the league has produced a lot of NHL players. But the U.S. programs are rapidly catching up, and are very good programs.
McKeen's: Do you have any aspirations in the future of making the U.S. world junior squad?
Jacobs: It would be an honor to wear the colors of my country at such a prestigious tournament. But for now I will concentrate my efforts on helping the Seattle Thunderbirds win.
McKeen's: Who has had the greatest influence on your hockey career to date?
Jacobs: I would say my youth hockey coach Carson Cable, he guided me all the way. We still talk a lot even to this day. He brings a lot of hockey playing experience, as he played college hockey.
McKeen's: What did you do to prepare for this season and a long 72 game schedule?
Jacobs: Basically, a lot of everything, cardio, weight room, and on the ice with skills coaches. Everything helped get me mentally prepared for a long season.
McKeen's: What's it like to be considered a top prospect for this year's draft?
Jacobs: It's an honor, with all the top guys out there. It's fun to play with or against them.
McKeen's: What do you do away from the game to relax?
Jacobs: Nothing to much, a little golf, and hanging out with my friends and being at the rink.