OPJAHL: QA with Ethan Werek

McKeen's recently had a chance to conduct a Q&A with Ethan Werek, who was selected by the Kingston Frontenacs in the first round (ninth overall), at the 2007 OHL Priority Selection. Werek, who will play for the Stouffville Spirit of the OPJAHL this season, talks about his game, his experience playing for Team Israel, off-season training and his future college commitments.

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

Werek: From my past memory, I can't remember ever not loving hockey. My cousin, Jamie Sokolsky, played in the OHL and my parents and I went to all the games. I personally started playing hockey at the age of 5, for the Stouffville Clippers Hockey Association. They gave me an excellent start. My first coach was Dan Mceachen.

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

Werek: The type of game I play is a power forward with hands. I like to win all my battles, including faceoffs. My weakness is that I am a perfectionist and I am never truly satisfied with my game. I constantly try to improve every aspect of my game.

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

Werek: I was told by my agent that some scouts felt that I should score more. But at the end of the year, I led the GTHL in scoring. I led in scoring in the playoffs, and I led in scoring in the OHL cup.

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

Werek: Joe Thornton is a leader when he's on the ice and when he's on the ice there is potential for his team to score. That's how I want to be.

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

Werek: Cory Trivino - he has beautiful hands and can score at any time.

Steven Stamkos - he is all world.

Michael Del Zotto - he's an intelligent player.

Alex Pietrangelo —he elevates the game.

Brandon Burlon - he is strong and makes good decisions on the ice, plus he drives me to my training.

McKeen's: What do you focus on during off-season training?

Werek: The off-season is probably the most important part of the year for me. I train on a daily basis, working on my stamina and my weight.

McKeen's: What was your main reason for choosing BU? Was it nice to get the commitment out of the way early? In addition, what are you looking forward to the most playing at BU and coach Parker?

Werek: I visited other schools and was impressed by their commitment to develop hockey players, but when I went to Boston University and met Coach Parker, the staff and saw the amazing facilities that they had, I felt that both from an educational and hockey development aspect it would be the best place for me. Talking to coach Parker, coach Bavis, and coach Quinn, I felt part of the BU program right away.

McKeen's: What were some of the other colleges you were interested in?

Werek: Northeastern. They were an excellent school as well as Vermont. The coaching staff and the facility were great. Anyone going to these schools is extremely lucky.

McKeen's: I have read that you are close to Corey Trivino, is that a big reason for the commitment to BU?

Werek: No, that was not the reason, but it helped my decision.

McKeen's: You are scheduled to go to BU in 2009, are you planning to play for Stouffville until then?

Werek: Yes, I am planning to play with the Stouffville Spirit.

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

Werek: In the summer, I practiced with some NHLers, i.e., Chris Gratton, Scotty Walker and I see how strong they are. They are constantly improving on their game and they are veterans; so again, I feel that I have to work on every aspect of my game.

McKeen's: You have been recently drafted by Kingston in the first round (9th overall) in the OHL draft, is there anything that interests you about playing for Kingston and the OHL or are you all about playing for BU?

Werek: The town of Kingston is a beautiful place. After meeting Larry Mavety, he seems like a great guy and has been around in the league for a long time. It would be an honour to play for such a person; however, I decided with my family before the draft and having visited BU that this was the better route for me to pursue.

McKeen's: What was your favourite NHL team growing-up?

Werek: My favourite NHL team has always been the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nevertheless, following Thornton, I like Boston and San Jose.

McKeen's: What did you get the most out of playing for the Toronto Marlboros? What did you enjoy the most?

Werek: The Toronto Marlies' Association has a great historical past and wearing the jersey made my teammates and myself feel great. In the last year, we had coach Steve Cathcart and coach Scott Kerr. Coach Kerr is a very intense coach who taught me a lot about the game.

McKeen's: What has been the best tournament you have played in and why?

Werek: The best tournament was The Brick tournament in Edmonton. It was incredible to see how the whole community makes it so pleasurable.

McKeen's: What have you learned from coach Cathcart (minor hockey coach)?

Werek: Coach Cathcart is an incredibly intelligent person that teaches you little things that you'd never think of that help your game immensely. Coach Scotty Kerr taught me what you need to take your game to the next level. Coach Dave Demetzio taught me lots of skills.

McKeen's: How did it feel to play for Team Israel with teammate Daniel Erlich and what was their program like?

Werek: Team Israel was a special event for me. It really taught me the trials and tribulations that the people of Israel have to go through. It taught me tolerance for other religions and cultures. Plus, playing with my friend Daniel Erlich was always exciting. He's a special player.

McKeen's five Fun Questions:

1. What was your best hockey moment so far? (Goal, Hit etc.)

Werek: Leading the OHL cup in scoring and winning 4 out of 6 MVP's and not winning the MVP of the tournament.

2. Best thing about Stouffville, Ontario?

Werek: Great people.

3. Favourite actor/ actress?

Werek: Rodney Dangerfield—I loved his motto of living: "Take care of number one, but don't step on number two."

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

Werek: Any song by Foo Fighters.

5. Best arena you played in?

Werek: Los Angeles Kings' practice arena.