Prospect Interview featuring - Adam Lowry

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to interview forward Adam Lowry of the Swift Current Broncos. Lowry talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Broncos, the biggest influence on his hockey career to date and his thoughts on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey?

Lowry: I grew up in the Southeast area of Calgary and played for Bow Valley in the bantam ranks and graduated to midget playing with the Calgary Buffaloes.

McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming from midget to major junior hockey?

Lowry: I think just being strong on the puck, and just the overall strength of the players in the league. If you aren't prepared for this, and if your not doing those things and making the adjustment your not going to be successful in this league.

McKeen's: Going into this season, were there any personal or team goals that you had set?

Lowry: I had high expectations at the beginning of the year but was set back by missing the first six games with a bout of mono. It put me off my game a little bit, but I'm looking to help coach Mark Lamb in any situation to contribute to the success of the team.

McKeen's: What would you say is the strongest part of your game and what do you want to work on?

Lowry: I think my hockey sense and anticipating the play, being strong on the puck. I think the one big thing I want to work on is my skating, especially my first three steps and strides, and my agility, and trying to win puck battles.

McKeen's: Your dad Dave, played in the NHL, also coached major junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen, and currently is an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames. Your brother Joel also plays tier 2 junior hockey with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL. How much has this helped in your hockey development?

Lowry: It has allowed me to see how the pros prepare. I've been around a lot of NHL players when I was growing up so I learned a few things from them. Watching them practice and work hard on things was an important learning tool. Also, having an older brother playing competitive hockey helps, as we are always trying to out due each other.

McKeen's: How does it feel to be considered a top prospect for this year's draft?

Lowry: It's a good pat on the back, but you always have to stay grounded and remind yourself that it's a long season and you want to move up in the draft order and improve, and certainly not regress.

McKeen's: What's it like playing for a small market team like the Swift Current Broncos, and head coach Mark Lamb?

Lowry: It was definitely a big change for me coming from a big city like Calgary. I think Swift Current is the smallest market in the WHL, but the fans really support it. Coach Mark Lamb has been an excellent mentor. He doesn't put players in situations where they are in over their head. As a 16-year old, I had to work hard to make this team, he doesn't play favourites, and allows players every opportunity to earn their icetime. He's a big reason that I'm at this development stage.

McKeen's: How much international experience have you had, and how much has that helped in developing your game?

Lowry: I think it has helped, I played in a few tournaments. The Europeans are always so skilled and are very good skaters on the big ice surface.

McKeen's: How important is learning defense, in making the next step to pro hockey?

Lowry: I think being a responsible player in your own end is huge, knowing that your coach can rely on you to put you out there in those key situations It's all about playing in the d-zone and reading the situation to take advantage of forced turnovers and creating a good transition game. Shutting down the opposition and looking after your own end is paramount.

McKeen's: Who has had the greatest impact in your hockey career to date?

Lowry: I would say my dad has had the greatest impact on my hockey career to date. He allows me to bounce things off him after every game. He understands the game and he has put me around other people who also know the game that has allowed me to excel.

McKeen's: You have a great shot; your passes are pretty much on the tape, have you been putting in extra work in these areas of the game?

Lowry: Yes, I have been going out both before and after and especially when the ice is a little heavier and you're a little more fatigued, which puts you in a game situation where you to work a little harder to get that shot off, or get that pass to a teammate. So, if you're out there at the end of the game in key situations that your team can rely on you.

McKeen's: If there was one thing you could change or adjust in the game of hockey what would that be?

Lowry: I think I would take out the no-touch icing, as I like the competitive nature of the race for the puck. I know sometimes injuries can occur as a result of this, but I think it adds a different element to the game.

McKeen's: Growing up around other NHL and pro players was there a player you idolized or wanted to pattern your game after?

Lowry: My favourite player growing up was Stu Barnes, who was a speedy two-way defensive specialist, and I always wanted to play like him. More recently, Mike Richards comes to mind too, he's a rare combination of speed, grit, defensive ability, and physical play rolled all into one package.

McKeen's: What do you do in the off-season to relax away from the game?

Lowry: I like to play a few rounds of golf in the summer. I'm an Xbox player, I like to challenge my friends and teammates. Also, I just like getting away to the lake to go fishing, it's a big chance for me to relax.