Prospect Interview featuring - Jesse Forsberg

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to interview defenseman Jesse Forsberg of the Prince George Cougars. Forsberg talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Cougars, the thoughts of playing with his brother Alex, 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?

Forsberg: I played most of my minor hockey in Martinsville, Saskatchewan. My last year was played in a small town called Warman, Saskatchewan in AA bantam.

McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming into the WHL from minor hockey?

Forsberg: I think learning your role, and what I mean by that is playing as a team with systems and adapting to a role. When your in minor hockey and your one of the top players on the team, more is expected of you. Whereas, at this level there is no running around in your own end with undisciplined play.

McKeen's: Were there any set goals coming into this season for you personally, and for the team?

Forsberg: For me personally, I want to be a solid all-around defenseman. Last year I put up a lot of points, but I needed to work harder at the defensive aspect of the game. As for the team, we want to make the playoffs after the past couple of years being tough on us, and get back that league respect and pride.

McKeen's: What are the things you want to work on to take you to the next level?

Forsberg: I have to be better defensively, as I said, I put up decent numbers as a 16 year old last season. We now have some guys to help me in the backend and on the powerplay and all situations which takes the pressure off me a bit.

McKeen's: What's it feel like to be a top prospect for this year's draft?

Forsberg: It's obviously a huge honour for all the hard work I have put in. That being said, I can't rest on my laurels, I must continue to improve game in and game out.

McKeen's: Does it bother you that so many scouts are watching you every game?

Forsberg: No, not really, you go through this in bantam somewhat with WHL team scouts, I know that's not really the same but it helps get you ready for the exposure. I just go out like most guys and play the game and the scouts will judge me on that.

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

Forsberg: My dad and little brother, we always played together and bonded together in the outdoor rink. I get a lot of support from them.

McKeen's: While growing up and watching players in the NHL, was there any particular player you were a fan of and someone you would like to pattern your game after?

Forsberg: When I was younger I liked watching Scott Stevens because of the physical brand of game that he brought every night.

McKeen's: Does playing a 72-game schedule in the WHL wear you down as a young player?

Forsberg: Yes, it is a grind, especially in my first year, but in the off-season the teams' trainer's put you on weight training and an aerobic regiment that keeps you game ready for the next season.

McKeen's: Have you learned a lot from your teammates and coaching staff that pass on their experience to you?

Forsberg: Yes, for sure, guys like Martin Marincin, and Sena Acolatse have really helped me adjust, by just listening to them and all the experience they have had helps me adjust to certain situations, in which I can pass on in my later junior years to other young players.

McKeen's: Your brother Alex was drafted by the Prince George Cougars in the bantam draft 1st overall this past summer. How special would it be to get a chance to play with him at this level in the future?

Forsberg: That's pretty exciting and special, I mean, to get a chance to play with my brother on the same team, awesome. We were always pretty competitive in the backyard rink, so it will be lots of fun to look forward to.

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

Forsberg: Lots of sleep, I'll call some of my teammates up to play a little X-box, but with all the travel throughout the season I just like to relax especially after my off-season training days at the gym.