NE Prep: QA with Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider is ranked No. 14 by Central Scouting in their Mid-Term Rankings. He is a 1991 DOB with good size (6-3, 200). His best assets are his skating and speed, as he could be one of the best skaters in the draft. He also has an NHL-type shot and is committed to Boston College for 2010.

McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano recently had the opportunity to interview Kreider. Coming off a tremendous season scoring 33 goals and 56 points en route to leading Phillips Andover to the prep semi-finals, Kreider talks about his game, and topics such as the NHL Entry Draft, off-season conditioning, future college commitments and his favorite NHL team.

McKeen's: How did you become interested in hockey? At what age did you start playing organized hockey?

Kreider: I lived in Charlestown until I was five, just in view of the Garden and down the street from a public skating rink. My mom was a figure skater growing up so she put me on skates when I was about two. I liked skating, and so at age five, my parents signed me up for organized hockey.

McKeen's: Describe the type of game you play. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

Kreider: I play a fast paced, physical game. I like using my speed, getting my nose dirty in the corners, working off my linemates, and moving in transition. I think my strengths are my competitive drive, my work ethic and my skating. In terms of weaknesses, I feel like I have much to work on to become an effective player at the next level. Specifically, I think I need to continue to learn the small intricacies of the game, like playing fundamentally strong d-zone.

McKeen's: What would you say is the most underrated facet to your game?

Kreider: I think the most underrated facet of my game is my ability to quarterback the powerplay.

McKeen's: Which NHL player do you model your game after and why?

Kreider: Alexander Ovechkin. I love the emotion and intensity he brings to every shift. He is always dangerous with or without the puck. On top of that, he loves scoring goals, and so do I.

McKeen's: Who are the five most talented players you've played against and what specifically do you admire about their styles?

Kreider:

Steven Whitney: He thinks the game better than almost anyone. He has a tremendous shot and is one of the best playmakers I have ever played against.

Tommy Cross: When we played against Westminster in the Flood Marr tournament last year, he was just intimidating. He was big, fast, smart, and just dominant.

Andrew Cox: He is a student of the game and makes everyone around him better.

Bobby Farnham: He is extremely hard-working and one of the most athletic and competitive kids I have played against in any sport.

Jason Bourgea: We played his St. Paul's team in the first round of the playoffs last year. He was everywhere; so effective and extremely competitive.

McKeen's: Before Andover, you played for Masco H.S., correct? What made you decide to go to Andover out of all the prep schools in New England? How was the transition from MA HS to the prep level?

Kreider: Correct, I played for my local high school – Masconomet. I live about 20 minutes from Andover and when I was accepted there, it was a no-brainer from an academic and athletic standpoint. It is a tremendous school and it is close to home. There was definitely a significant transition from HS to Prep, but I had fantastic linemates and leaders that really took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. They really helped me to improve my game and develop.

McKeen's: Describe your decision process in committing early to Boston College. Further, what are you looking forward to the most playing at BC with legendary coach York?

Kreider: I verbally committed to Boston College because it has everything that I want in a college. The players, coaches, and students were all extremely genuine when I visited (they reminded me of Phillips Andover Students and faculty) the campus was gorgeous, the academics are challenging, it is somewhat close to home, and the hockey program had just won a national championship. I could not really ask for much more. I am looking forward to growing and maturing as a player under coach York.

McKeen's: Were there any other schools in the mix?

Kreider: Yes, I was also looking at Boston University, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

McKeen's: What were your expectations coming into this season?

Kreider: I fully expected to have a very good team this past season at Andover. I had no idea just how good we would be. We did some things that few teams in Andover's history have ever done. We had great team chemistry and everyone did everything they could for the guy next to them.

McKeen's: Describe your summer. Do you play a lot of hockey or relax and workout? What do you focus on during off-season training?

Kreider: I play in the occasional tournament, last summer I attended power skating with Paul Vincent, and I worked at some summer camps. I concentrate more on working out and conditioning off-ice. I workout at Mike Boyle's Strength and Conditioning four days a week and owe them all the credit for my physical development.

McKeen's: The NHL Entry Draft will be coming up for you this year. Are you thinking about it at all?

Kreider: I am trying to focus more on my next game and my next workout but it is in the back of my mind.

McKeen's: Is there any NHL team that you follow closely?

Kreider: I follow the Boston Bruins very closely.

McKeen's: Which areas do you consider you have to improve to succeed at the next level in college and further?

Kreider: I have to improve at everything to succeed at the next level. I don't think you can be successful at the next level if you aren't constantly improving.

McKeen's Five Fun Questions:

1. What has been your best hockey moment so far? (Goal, hit, etc.)

Kreider: Winning a youth hockey league championship in a shoot-out with some of my closest buddies.

2. Best thing about living near Boston, MA?

Kreider: All of the sports teams.

3. Favorite actor/ actress?

Kreider: Neil Patrick Harris

4. If you had your own theme song, what would it be?

Kreider: Never Let Me Down by Jay Z. featuring Ivy

5. Best arena you played in?

Kreider: Harrison Rink at Phillips Andover on Andover/Exeter Day – nothing beats that environment or rivalry – those games are also some of my favorite hockey moments.