One-on-One with Bryan Little

An organization couldn't ask for more than what Bryan Little has delivered so far this season for the Barrie Colts. The team's top point-getter (26-20-26-46) also led Barrie in scoring during his first two campaigns, including a 34-goal rookie season that led to OHL Rookie-of-the-Year honours, plus a nomination for league MVP last season.

Little's newest challenge will be to lead his club deep into the OHL playoffs. To boot, he could be the highest Colt drafted since Daniel Tkaczuk (6th overall in 1997).

McKeen's Hockey currently rates the 5-foot-11 Little as the seventh-best prospect for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Correspondent David Burstyn caught up with the baby bull on the day of his eighteenth birthday to discuss the current season, the improved Colts team, his chances of representing Canada at the World Juniors and his thoughts about the upcoming draft.

McKeen's: First of all, happy belated birthday. You celebrated in style with a hat trick against the Brampton Battalion. Briefly talk about that game and the type of season you are having.

Bryan Little: It was nice to get that win especially on my birthday and to get the hat trick - I could not have asked for a better present. As far as my season is going, I think it is going pretty good. I had a really good start which I haven't been able to do the last few years which just gives me that extra confidence I need.

McKeen's: Did you have an individual goals coming into the season?

Bryan Little: Not really stats wise - I try and better myself every season and get more points if that's what I need to do.

McKeen's: Since coming into the league you have improved statistically every season. Can you talk about the player you were when you first broke into the league and the player that you are now?

Bryan Little: When I first came into the league I didn't really know what to expect. Now I get a lot of ice time and am looked at to be the go-to-guy, get the guys going, score timely goals.

McKeen's: Which coaches have helped you the most?

Bryan Little: I had a lot of good coaches in minor hockey who were great inspirations for me. Marty (Williamson) coming in here last year has helped. He is a good coach who has a good understanding of the game. He is not negative but he does expect certain things. If you make a mistake he is patient and corrects it as opposed to screaming at you.

McKeen's: Do you think that the new rule changes have helped a player such as yourself?

Bryan Little: I think so. I think it has helped many skilled players in the league. You look at the points and they are just crazy right now. I think it is helping to free up guys and there a lot more power plays, special teams are going to be big.

McKeen's: What do you see as your biggest strength?

Bryan Little: I think my ability to play both sides of the rink. Some players in the league play only one end being a one dimensional player. I expect more from my game and want to be a guy that is leaned on in both offensive and defensive situations.

McKeen's: What are some areas you can still work on?

Bryan Little: I would say my strength. I am always trying to get bigger and hold off guys down low.

McKeen's: Describe what it is like to play for Coach Williamson.

Bryan Little: He is upbeat and positive and not negative by any means. He doesn't single players out. He lets you know if you are playing good and tries to encourage as well as support us.

McKeen's: Who are some of your tougher opponents in the OHL and guys you really respect in the league?

Bryan Little: There are many good players in this league and I have always looked up to players like Bolland, Ryder and Schremp. These guys are so confident on the PP and are capable of doing many amazing things with the puck.

McKeen's: How much better is this team than last year?

Bryan Little: It is early to tell, we certainly have a lot of talent on this team.

McKeen's: What are some of the things this team will have to do to be successful in the playoffs? Do you think you need to add another player or is this roster good enough?

Bryan Little: It is hard to tell, as mentioned before I feel it is a little early in the season. I think we as players are doing everything we can and are confident in ourselves. It would be up to the coaches to make changes and if we are missing something that they will be able to identify it and do what is necessary. I have a lot of confidence in this team and feel that we can put something together.

McKeen's: Hockey Canada, especially Blair Mackasey has tremendous confidence in you. How badly do you want to make this World Junior team? With all the forward spots open how good do you think your chances are?

Bryan Little: Very badly, it has been a dream of mine since I was young watching it every Christmas. I am not sure what my chances are of making the team. I know I will have to work hard because there are many good players invited up front so it will be a tough position to crack.

McKeen's: What do you think you could bring to the World Junior roster, if you made the team?

Bryan Little: I think I would be able to provide some scoring up front as well as being relied on in defensive situations and win key face offs.

McKeen's: It being your draft year, are there any added pressures for you to perform offensively in the regular season and the playoffs?

Bryan Little: I would say not just because of my draft year but because it is my third year in the OHL and the team really needs me to provide offence and come through in the playoffs. I try to keep the draft stuff behind me and concentrate on the season.

McKeen's: How do you respond to being a top prospect in this year's draft? Do you think the late birth date helped you in your position?

Bryan Little: I think so; it gave me an extra year in the league so it certainly doesn't hurt. Last year's draft was a good one and I think the same can be said about this one. There are a lot of American that are doing well - I am looking forward to it but try not to think about too much.

McKeen's: How important is it for you to be the first player chosen out of the OHL?

Bryan Little: I know there are a lot of good 88-born players in the league - for example (Jordan) Staal, so if it were to happen it would be an incredible honour.

McKeen's: Any particular NHL team you would like to play for?

Bryan Little: Everyone has asked me that (laughs). It doesn't matter to me really.

McKeen's: You played in Cambridge Jr.B before joining the Colts. How important was it to play at that level in order for you to make the adjustment to the OHL?

Bryan Little: I think it was a big help. It may have hurt me a bit in the OHL draft but it helped me get used to the speed and playing against guys considerably older than me.

McKeen's: What is your opinion of Hockey Canada's decision to strengthen Midget Hockey by prohibiting under age players from participating in Tier II or Jr.B?

Bryan Little: I think it is good for hockey. It will make the Midget and Tier II levels of hockey a bit more competitive. It will be like the older days where Tier II will have a lot of older players and Midget will be great hockey.

McKeen's: What has been the highlight of your hockey career?

Bryan Little: Probably winning the Rookie-of-the-Year award, that was pretty special for me.

McKeen's: How has hockey made you a better person?

Bryan Little: The people you meet from playing hockey and the friendships you make are pretty rewarding. It helps you to keep your head on straight and the experience of playing in the OHL is an unbelievable one.