NE Prep: QA with Gus Young

Nobles defenseman Gus Young is currently ranked #120 by Central Scouting in their Mid-Term Rankings. Young is an offensive defenseman who has a strong shot and vision from the backend. With a strong offensive supporting cast around him, Young moves the puck well and shows a lot of poise on the PP. He is solid and physical in his own end.

McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano recently had the chance to talk with Young and discussed his game, his start in hockey, future college commitments, the NHL Entry Draft and his workout regimen.

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

Young: My two older brothers were involved in hockey and so they were major influences. I started playing organized hockey for Dedham when I was around five or six years old.

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

Young: I like to think of myself as a two-way defenseman. I believe I can be a strong, physical defensive presence, but also get involved in the offense on the rush and in the zone. My strength is probably my hockey IQ. I need to improve on my quick feet; although I have improved a ton on that aspect from last year, I still need to progress a lot more.

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

Young: I think the most underrated facet to my game is my offensive ability. I think I can be a force offensively either by joining the rush or shooting/passing from the point.

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

Young: I would say I try to model after Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames. He is a tough physical player, but also gets involved in the offense, which is what I try to do in my game.

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

Young:

Chris Kreider- His size, strength and speed give him the ability to make plays out of nothing and carry the game when he wants to.

Steven Whitney- He has an unbelievable shot and a quick release. He is also very good at looking off his shot in order to create space.

Mac Bennett- Defenseman that has great speed and is able to break the puck out with ease. He does not make many mistakes.

Ryan Bourque- He is a very smart player that can score but also find openings with passes most people can't see.

John Henrion- Also has an unbelievable shot and quick release and he is very strong on his skates and can work down low.

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

Young: I played for the South Shore Kings growing up which is a very good organization, so I was lucky to be part of that. I actually went to St. Sebastian's in Needham for a year before Nobles. Both my older brothers played there, but I felt Nobles could offer me a lot more. The prep game is a lot faster than the hockey I played before and the kids capitalize on your mistakes whereas you can get away with a lot more on a lesser level.

McKeen's: What colleges are you currently considering?

Young: Education is also very important to me, so I am considering many of the Ivies, but also Hockey East schools that offer not only a great hockey program but also a strong academic standard.

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 Nobles?

Young: Right now, yes I plan to return to Nobles.

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

Young: Coming into the season, I was hoping for Nobles to have another solid year and I was hoping I could open the eyes of scouts in the area. I wanted to show how much I have improved, especially in my skating and strength.

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?

Young: In the summer, I do not play a lot of hockey. I work out five to six days a week with Brian McDonaugh of EPS in Foxboro. He has really improved my speed, strength, and endurance, which helped me be a better player. I won't be playing a lot of hockey this summer because I am getting surgery on my shoulder after the season.

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

Young: I know it is something I cannot control and before a couple of weeks ago, I never thought being drafted was remotely a possibility. I know whether my name is called or not, I have a ton of work to do and right now I am focusing a lot more on the Nobles season and the college process.

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

Young: Being from Boston, I am a huge Bruins fan.

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

Young: I definitely need to improve my skating and in particular, I need to have a quicker first step.

McKeen's Five Fun Questions:

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

Young: Scoring the game winner in the Flood Marr Championship game

2. Best thing about living in Dedham, MA?

Young: I live less than a half mile from Nobles, which is definitely a plus

3. Favorite actor/ actress?

Young: Mark Wahlberg

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

Young: I came for you – Disco Boys

5. Best arena you played in?

Young: Playing in the prep playoffs in Salem my freshman year.