Prep School: QA with Choates Mark Goggin

Mark Goggin is a top prospect playing at Choate-Rosemary Prep. He has recently committed to play for Dartmouth in 2009 and once again will join his brother, Connor, who has committed to play for the Big Green next year. An offensive threat and goal scorer, Goggin leads Choate in points so far with 23 (8 goals 15 assists). He has recently been asked to join the USA team to Piestany, Slovakia to take part in the Vladimir Dzurilla Tournament and also participated in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka this summer. Recently ranked No. 142 in the NHL Central Scouting's Mid-Term list, and with a solid showing with the USA team, Mark Goggin could hear his name called early at the NHL Draft.

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

Goggin: My whole family played hockey at high levels. Both my dad and grandpa played at Dartmouth. I started skating when I was 4 or 5, and didn't like it at first, but when I played my first game I loved it.

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

Goggin: I play a very offensive game. I am good with the puck and have good vision and hockey sense, but I need to start shooting more and most importantly improve my game without the puck. Defensively especially.

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

Goggin: My speed and strength. People don't realize that I am fast and strong enough to be a power forward.

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

Goggin: Chris Drury is my favorite player, but I don't model my game after him. I respect him so much, because he is a proven winner and team player, and that's what I want to be.

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

Goggin: Alexander Killorn for Deerfield because he makes every player on the team so much better. Also because he's so talented with the puck and defensively as well.

Tommy Cross for Westminster because of his poise with the puck and he is the hardest player to beat one on one.

Patrick Mullane for Avon because he is so strong and smart on the ice. He is a complete player.

Cam Atkinson for Avon because he is so fast and always finishes.

Connor Goggin for Choate because he plays almost the entire game and never gets winded. Without him our team would be nowhere.

McKeen's: You are from Glen Ellyn, IL, and played for the Chicago Mission. What made you decide to go to school in CT and specifically, Choate?

Goggin: My brother went to Choate and loved it. Also because my whole family is from out east and my dad and uncles had great experiences at prep school. But the main reason is that I was not mature enough as a player to play in the USHL at age 15 and my choices were either Ohio (USHL) or Prep school and Choate was the only school I wanted to go to. Also I loved coach Dennehy, he has been great for me.

McKeen's: Describe your decision process in committing to Dartmouth and being able to play on the same team as your brother again? I Heard that Miami was in the mix?

Goggin: I couldn't be happier with my choice. I love playing with my brother and Dartmouth was the perfect fit for me. I was really tempted with the Miami, UNH, and BU because of the big time hockey and scholarships, but when it came to the choice, Dartmouth was the only place for me. The coaches are great and the academics are second to none.

McKeen's: What is it like to play on the same team as your brother?

Goggin: It's awesome. I love playing with him and I learn a lot from watching him. Since we have been playing together we have become so close and it's awesome. Playing with him has been the greatest thing to happen me.

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?

Goggin: During my summer, I love to relax, but I train almost everyday because I know other players are doing it and I want to be better then the competition. I try to skate as much as possible, and I work out almost everyday with my brother.

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

Goggin: It has always been my dream to play in the NHL and to be drafted, but I try not to think about it too much because it takes away from my play. If I think about it, I get stressed out and try to do everything perfect to impress the scouts, so I try to go out everyday not thinking about the future and just play the game for fun and to help my team win.

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

Goggin: I love the Blackhawks and whenever I am home I love going to games. My second favorite team is the Rangers because I love Chris Drury.

McKeen's: What were your expectations coming into this season and how has your season been going so far?

Goggin: I had high expectations for the season and unfortunately, I have not reached them yet. I have not produced as much as I have wanted to, but I'm happy about the production of my linemates who have stepped up big time this year. Also I want to play in the playoffs and we have a chance to do so, and if we don't make them this season, it will be a little bit of a letdown for me, but more importantly for the seniors on the team. But with that said, I have had so much fun this year because I love playing for coach Dennehy and my school.

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

Goggin: I have to start finishing more and play every game the same. My inconsistency has to change for me to succeed. Also, my defensive play needs to improve a lot.

McKeen's: Recently, you were asked to play for the US team in their upcoming tournament in Piestany, Slovakia. Describe what it is like to play in a tournament like that and for your country? Memorial of Ivan Hlinka?

Goggin: Playing for my country has been an amazing experience, and this summer I didn't think of it that way. So I am going to make the most of this opportunity because who knows, it might be my last time wearing the USA sweater.

McKeen's Five Fun Questions:

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

Goggin: Playing with my brother these last two years, and we are lucky enough to play with each other for three more years at Dartmouth.

2. Best thing about your hometown Glen Ellyn, IL or even Chicago, IL?

Goggin: I love the city. Everyday you could do something new in Chicago

3. Favorite actor/ actress?

Goggin: Jim Carey & Dumb and Dumber is my favorite movie

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

Goggin: Ha! Ha! I'm not really sure. The one song I listen to before every game is Knights of Cydonia by Muse, but I wouldn't say its my theme song.

5. Best arena you played in?

Goggin: I love playing at Choate. The support we have while playing home games is awesome. Also having the privilege to represent my school has been a great experience.