One-on-One with Jonathan Toews

McKeen's Hockey's third-rated prospect for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft Jonathan Toews was kind enough to answer some of our questions on a variety of topics. Toews talks about his career up to this point, his experiences in playing college hockey, his play this season and what's in store in the future.

McKeen's: Tell us a bit about your hockey background.

Jonathan Toews: Obviously hockey has always been my biggest passion. As a kid growing up I learned to play skating outdoors on a backyard rink with my dad. I had a few successes as a young kid, but the first one which gave me a little more attention was the Bantam draft. After that, I decided to attend Shattuck St. Mary's and found my place on the prep team as a 10th grader. And in my second year at Shattuck, I won a gold medal with Team Western at the U17 World Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta. Luckily, I was able to represent Canada once again this summer at the U18 Junior World Cup in the Czech Republic and win another gold medal.

McKeen's: What are your thoughts on playing for the highly regarded Shattuck St.Mary's Hockey Program where highly touted prospects like Zach Parise, Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson played in recent years?

Jonathan Toews: It is definitely an honour to have gone through a program such as Shattuck St. Mary's and win a National Championship playing for a coach like Tom Ward. You learn a lot playing there because everyone plays their best game against you. Players like Parise, Crosby and Johnson have gone through there for a reason. But the experience you get while playing there is unbelievable and I really think it has made me a much better hockey player and person.

McKeen's: What expectations did you have for yourself heading into your first year of hockey at the NCAA level?

Jonathan Toews: Obviously I am not going to go make any statements or anything, but I have set some goals for myself based on what I think I am capable of accomplishing. So far I'm pretty happy with the way I've adapted to the college level. I've been given many opportunities to play from the coaching staff at UND, which has definitely made it easier. For this season, I hope to continue contributing to the offense of our team.

McKeen's: How would you describe your game?

Jonathan Toews: I would say that I'm a playmaker who can see the ice really well as well as score. I like to be an offensive threat every shift by controlling the puck in the corners and taking it to the net. I believe I play well on both sides of the puck.

McKeen's: What do you consider to be your greatest asset?

Jonathan Toews: One of my biggest assets is how I like to make plays every shift. I want to be out there working the puck down low and generating chances at the net. I like to control the puck and I hate to give it up.

McKeen's: What facets of your game have you been working on the most to improve?

Jonathan Toews: This summer I worked very hard on my physical strength to be able to adapt to the College level this year. Most of all, I worked on my speed and skating ability. Still, it is something I can always keep improving on.

McKeen's: Do you prefer playing wing to center? What adjustments did you have to make?

Jonathan Toews: Considering the coaches I've played for in the past few years, including North Dakota, you basically just go out there and play and fill lanes. Sometimes I end up taking centerman responsibilities depending on where my linemates are on the ice. I really believe that being a winger or a centerman only matters on the draws. In between whistles, however, you basically communicate with your linemates and go out there and play.

McKeen's: You are playing left wing to T.J. Oshie playing centre this season. What are your thoughts on Oshie?

Jonathan Toews: Oshie's a great player and I think we complement each other on the line. He's a player who never gives up on the puck and is really good with his stick. He's got moves, he's got a shot, he's got great hands and he sees the ice incredibly well. He's not a big guy either, but when you hit him, he hits your right back and is surprisingly solid on his feet.

McKeen's: How well do the two of play together in terms of style?

Jonathan Toews: I think we complement each other in several ways. We can both score and we like to cycle the puck down low. Lately, we just seem to click and find each other. It is only a matter of time before all the pucks start ending up in the back of the net.

McKeen's: Who would you consider to be the most talented players you've played with or against?

Jonathan Toews: We've got a few first rounders on our team this year. But in particular, Drew Stafford and Travis Zajac are great players who've given me a lot of advice on how to adapt to the college level. This summer, I played with and against a lot of great players with the U18 Canada team. Two players I played with were Zach Hamill and Ben Maxwell, both playing in the WHL. They are great players who have bright futures ahead of them.

McKeen's: What in particular impresses you in Travis Zajac's game?

Jonathan Toews: Travis is a great kid with a great work ethic. This year he has struggled to put up a few points, but nevertheless he doesn't let it get to him and he has continued to work as hard as ever. I wish I could keep a positive attitude and have a good effect on my teammates like Travis does when things aren't always working, because sometimes I get down on myself. But most of all, Travis is a great player and things will start to go his way because he never gives up.

McKeen's: Who are the current or past pro players that you greatly admire?

Jonathan Toews: I've been a huge Joe Sakic fan for a long time now. I love the way he plays and his leadership abilities. If I could take things from Joe Sakic, it would be his shot, his skating, his character and his all around skill. He plays huge in the big games and always gives the credit to his teammates.

McKeen's: What was the defining reason in making your decision to opt for the NCAA route, as opposed to the CHL?

Jonathan Toews: I believe that the biggest factors were the atmosphere of the college games as well as the convenience and lifestyle of the student-athlete. I really liked the facilities at North Dakota also, and the amount of time you can spend working on little things of your game.

McKeen's: What are your thoughts on being a highly regarded prospect for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft?

Jonathan Toews: I think it is definitely exciting, considering it's been my dream to play pro hockey since I was just a little guy. And now I'm getting that much closer to my dream. Nevertheless I have a lot of work to do but the thought of getting drafted is awesome.

McKeen's: Does the prospect of the draft weigh on you at all?

Jonathan Toews: Honestly, sometimes it does a little too much. But I'm learning to focus my attention on what I do on the ice, because I think that is what's most important. Like I said before, it definitely motivates me to see my goals and to picture the end-result that I am continuously working toward, but my success really depends on what I do every day. So for now I'm really trying to forget about the draft and concentrate on my performances every day.

McKeen's: How do you deal with the stress of being constantly monitored by NHL Scouts and General Managers?

Jonathan Toews: I really haven't thought of that too much. Obviously you have to play your best every day no matter who you are because you never know who is watching. But I don't feel too stressed about that - I just give my best effort every day and whatever happens happens.

McKeen's: What has been your biggest success in your hockey career up to this point?

Jonathan Toews: It's always a thrill to represent Canada. I would have to say it was when I won a gold medal with Team Western at the Under 17 Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta. It was great to win because no one expected us to go that far.

McKeen's: What do you do to prepare for games. Do you have any superstitions you would be willing to share?

Jonathan Toews: I hardly believe in superstitions. But I usually do some simple visualization and get my body warmed up. If I end up playing well and my team wins, I follow the same routine and modify it accordingly.

McKeen's: What has surprised you the most about college hockey?

Jonathan Toews: What has surprised me the most is how close the fans follow their sports teams. Playing for UND, it is unbelievable how much fans come out and support us every night, even on the road.

McKeen's: What do you do in the summer to keep yourself in shape?

Jonathan Toews: This summer I started setting goals for myself. That really helped me get stronger when I weight lifted and did conditioning. I skated a lot more this summer than I usually did to get ready for the U18 Junior Cup this August.

McKeen's: Where do you see yourself in five years in terms of your hockey career?

Jonathan Toews: I hope that in 5 years I can find a solid spot on an NHL hockey team, regardless (of) where. I will keep working to get better and better whether it takes more or less than five years, but for now I think I'll enjoy the steps along the road.