NE Prep: QA with Derek Deblois

Playing in his junior year at Hotchkiss, Derek Deblois is currently ranked No. 69 by Central Scouting. Deblois is a competitor who battles every shift, as he is tenacious, gets to the net, and is always on the puck. Offensively, he has been Hotchkiss' go-to-guy for the last two years. McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano recently had the chance to interview Deblois and discussed several areas of his game.

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

Deblois: I started skating when I was four. My dad played college hockey and really loves the game. I really started liking it when I played in mites. But the house league was my first organized league.

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

Deblois: I play an aggressive game and like to make plays. I think my strengths are seeing the ice and setting up plays. I need to get bigger, faster, stronger, so I guess you could say my jump.

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

Deblois: I would say breaking the puck out. People don't really understand how hard it is to pick a puck off the boards flat footed with a defensemen pinching. I think I do it pretty well.

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

Deblois: I would like to say someone like Joe Thornton. He loves playing behind the net and makes great passes. I think I see the ice well.

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

Deblois:

Steven Whitney - I played against him when I was growing up and he has always been a smart, talented goal scorer.

Alexander Killorn - was a really dominant prep player for Deerfield last year. Very smart and is a good finisher.

Tommy Cross - for Westminster last year was very controlling and strong.

Cam Atkinson - is gifted and fast. Scores goals.

Andy Iles - the goalie for Salisbury stops too many of my shots.

McKeen's: Before Hotchkiss, where did you play? What made you decide to go to Hotchkiss out of all the prep schools in New England? How was the transition from where you played before to the prep level?

Deblois: I played for the Bridgewater Bandits before Hotchkiss, which was an Empire team. I love the school and my father and older brother attended the school. It was a little faster and the players overall were better.

McKeen's: What colleges are you currently considering?

Deblois: Right now, in no particular order, I'm interested in BU, Michigan, Northeastern, and Denver. The Ivy's I'm interested in are Harvard and Princeton.

McKeen's: You are finishing your junior year and since you are not scheduled to go to college until 2010, are you planning to return to Hotchkiss?

Deblois: I really haven't thought about next year that much, as I'm focused on this season and making the Div. 1 prep playoffs. If we have a good February, we should be in good position to make a solid run. I was drafted by Tri-City in the USHL and have had calls and interest from several teams in the BCHL. Once the season is over, I'll sit down and try to figure out what is best for my career and overall goals. Hopefully, by then the college picture will be clearer as well.

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

Deblois: Coming into the season I just wanted to win. We just missed the playoffs last year, so it would be nice to pay back some teams that beat us. Obviously, scoring goals and getting points is fun but that comes when you're winning. Also, I am expecting to get closer in deciding what college I would like to go to.

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?

Deblois: I live near the ocean so whenever I get the chance I love to surf or just get in the water. I work out at a local gym with my buddy Mac. Summer is the time to train hard so I try to lift four or five times a week. Last summer, I did a lot more than I had the previous year. In the spring, I play lacrosse, I have played for about eight years so it a sport I also love.

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

Deblois: It's obviously something that you think about, but you can only control how you play so I try to not to.

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

Deblois: I love watching the Bruins play, especially this year. Rhode Island has no major sports teams, so I have always been a Boston fan. Also whenever I get the chance I enjoy watching San Jose, I love watching Marc Savard and Joe Thornton.

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

Deblois: Without a doubt, its quickness, first couple steps, along with strength. Got to get stronger and stronger.

McKeen's Five Fun Questions:

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

Deblois: Playing in the International Quebec Pee Wee Tournament and making it to final 8.

2. Best thing about living in Rhode Island?

Deblois: The ocean.

3. Favorite actor/ actress?

Deblois: Will Farrell or Vince Vaughn.

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

Deblois: Mighty Ducks theme.

5. Best arena you played in?

Deblois: Where the Québec Remparts play – Coliseum.