Prospect Interview Featuring - Michael Paliotta

McKeen's correspondent Kevin Wey interviews USA U-18 defenseman Michael Paliotta, a big, physical, shutdown defenseman who moves the puck reliably and figures to be the fourth USHL/USNTDP defensemen selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft come June.

McKeen's: You guys are almost done with your USHL season this year, and you have completed your collegiate schedule. How would you say the team has done in USHL competition this year and also NCAA competition?

Paliotta: I think we fared pretty well. We were on a 12-game winning streak or so up until last night, so that's obviously tough. But, overall, I've felt we've had a pretty good year. Definitely, coming back from last year, we struggled a little bit last year in the USHL just because we were young, and a little bit of inexperience. But, this year, I think we came back and played real well in the USHL, especially toward the end of the year. Middle part of the year, we really turned it around and turned it up a bit. Then, college wise, I thought we played well. We didn't get as many wins as we wanted against Division 1. We kept lots of teams real close, like we played North Dakota to a 2-1 game. So, maybe some games we didn't get our bounces and tired out a little bit too quickly, but overall I felt we had a pretty good year and am definitely looking forward to heading over to Germany, too.

McKeen's: Following things online, with the collegiate schedule, it seemed like you got more and more competitive as things went. You guys played Quinnipiac and Providence really close and then you guys swept your series against UAH (University of Alabama-Huntsville). It's always good to see that sort of progress, although you played some really good teams early in the year.

Paliotta: Of course. Yep.

McKeen's: In February, you guys fared pretty well at the Five Nations Cup and scored quite a few goals. What would you say was the key to that level of offense over there and the team's success?

Paliotta: Everyone was just kind of clicking at the right time. I mean, our lines were really going. Up front, guys were moving the puck really well, and good defensively, and our goaltending played really well. I think, also, we're playing against older competition all year, so when you step in and play against guys your own age on a bigger ice surface, you can really spread them out with our speed and our puck movement.

McKeen's: Back in January, Central Scouting released their mid-term rankings and you were ranked the 32nd overall prospect in North America. What was your reaction to that?

Paliotta: Obviously, it's an honor to be noticed and recognized, to be ranked in that position. But, at the same time, I kind of just looked at it as kind of a marker but not really something I should be worrying about. I just have to keep playing my game and making sure I'm helping my team win and everything else will fall into place, I figure.

McKeen's: For those who haven't seen you play, what would you say is the style you play and what would you say are the strengths of your game?

Paliotta: I'd say I'm more of a defensive defenseman, a puck-moving guy who makes a good first outlet pass. Someone who's tough to play against, like a shutdown-type-of-guy that can be paired up against any team's top line. Then, also offensively, just getting shots in from the blueline and making good outlet passes and stretch passes.

McKeen's: Development is in the name of your team, so what are the areas of your game that you feel have improved the most over the past nearly two years now and what are the areas of your game that you still feel you need to focus on improving for the next level?

Paliotta: I think, definitely, The Program has done a great job with all of our guys. It's certainly a well-recognized program, for sure. I've noticed a lot of changes, off the ice, too. I've put on a lot of weight and I feel a lot more comfortable with puck movement and how I feel with the puck, poise, but also just being real tough to play against, a hardnosed guy, someone that's real physical that can take the game over at the back end. Then, areas to improve on? Continuing to get stronger and maybe using my size and reach back there, because it's definitely an advantage. So, just doing the little things.

McKeen's: For you, the next level will be at the University of Vermont. If I might ask, what were the other programs that were recruiting you hard or that you were considering and then what made you decide on UVM in the end?

Paliotta: At the end, it came down to Michigan, Harvard, and Vermont. At the end of the day, I just felt really comfortable with the coaching staff at Vermont. I was really interested in coming back to the East Coast, 'cause I'm from Connecticut. So, it's kind of a perfect distance away from my house. It's been a program up on the rise. Obviously, this year, they kind of struggled a little bit, but that happens. I'm really looking forward to getting there and hopefully turning things around.

McKeen's: It hasn't been entirely uncommon for prospects of your caliber after they're drafted to get a little bit of pressure to go the major junior route, and your rights are held by Saint John's. Do you anticipate any pressure to potentially go the major junior route and is it something you would consider?

Paliotta: I expect a little bit of pressure, probably, after the draft, maybe depending on where I go and little things like that. But, I'm really comfortable with the staff at Vermont and what they want to do with me as a player. I think they're really interested in turning me into a real good prospect for the NHL, and that's what I'm really interested in. Yeah, depending on the team that drafts me, if I get drafted, just where they want me to be playing. Obviously, you have to take that into consideration. But, as of right now, I'm just really looking forward to getting started at Vermont next year.

McKeen's: You touched on this a tiny bit, but last year you guys struggled at first against USHL competition. Tell me what it was like as a group of players that young, making that adjustment, coming up to the USHL and playing against guys that are 18, 19, and 20.

Paliotta: That's definitely the biggest adjustment for all the guys coming in. For myself, personally, I thought I adjusted pretty quickly, just because of the level that I was playing at prior to coming out here. I was playing prep school, and there are 19-year-olds, PG's (post graduates) in the league and stuff, and some really good competition. So, obviously, it was a big jump from prep school to the USHL, but an even bigger jump from midget minors to the USHL. So, I think it was definitely an eye-opening experience at first for a lot of my teammates. It definitely took a little bit of time to get adjusted to, but, like I said, we've definitely bounced back. Everyone came in ready in September and was ready to go. Last year was definitely a learning experience, I'd say. It taught us we all hate to lose. It's definitely helped us this year.

McKeen's: Similarly, what was the adjustment like this year moving up to the college competition and how did it compare to that adjustment to USHL competition?

Paliotta: It was a bit of an adjustment, especially since our first college game was against Denver. It took a little bit of time, I guess, to get used to. Probably the size and strength of guys more than the speed, just because they are really big and strong and there's 24-year-olds, and even 25-year-olds in the league. So, you had to be on your game every night. We really focused on the little things to get us through those games, just getting shots on goal and playing our game and sticking to our ingredients. It was definitely a bit of a jump. The scores might not portray it, and obviously it's tough, but I think we fared pretty well.

McKeen's: Of late, the team has been making some changes. A couple guys have been re-assigned to the U-17 team and you guys have picked up three guys, including two defensemen: Seth Jones and Jacob Trouba. What's it like to see two guys, at least two guys, that you've played with for almost two years get sent down and then tell me about what Jones and Trouba have brought to the team.

Paliotta: Yeah. Obviously it's tough. We've been, kind of, a family for two years. It's tough to see guys get sent down. Obviously, you feel for them. It's definitely a challenging part of the year for the whole team in general. It's kind of a sad go-round. At the same time, we all want to win. That's kind of why we came here. I think those guys that did get sent down understand a little bit that just maybe they weren't playing well. But, everyone knew it was going to happen at some point, that they might be making changes. You kind of have to expect it. I think both of those younger guys have brought a good amount to the table so far. I think they're two different players. Jones is more of an offensive guy, kind of a risk taker. I think Trouba is also a bit offensive, but just strong and steady back there. It's good to have them back there. I think they're learning a bit and just getting acclimated to our style of play. I think it takes a little bit, just defensively and stuff, but I think they're coming around and I think they'll be really helpful with us in April.

McKeen's: With the offensive component that they both bring, how much does that help or allow you to focus more on being that physical shutdown defenseman that you talked about being?

Paliotta: Yeah, like I said, I like to be like a shutdown guy. I like playing against other teams' top lines. I take pride in that. I think it's something that I want to do. I think we have good pairs right now. There's definitely strategy behind it. There's one pair that's probably more offensive than another, and that's part of the game. In my mind, defense is what wins games for you. The forwards are getting the job done up front and it's kind of my job to get things done in the back end.

McKeen's: The Evaluation Camp for the 1995's is upon us. Obviously, you went through that recruiting process and skated at the Evaluation Camp two years ago. So, what was it like for you going through that?

Paliotta: Well, actually, it was kind of funny. I was only able to make the camp for one day, because our New England district had their evaluation camp to go to the national camp the same weekend. So, I did that, but I actually had already committed to the team a couple months earlier. It was kind of nice that I didn't really have much pressure going into the camp. But, obviously it's an important camp for those younger guys coming in and they all want to make the team. I remember everyone was really battling really hard there. I was there for about a day and a half or so. It's a fun experience, and you play against the best guys in the country and you're competing for a spot to wear the USA crest on your jersey for two years. It's an unbelievable opportunity. I would not have planned it out any better. I'm really happy with my decision to come out here.

McKeen's: I read recently that you started skating in kindergarten and that your school had a Learn to Skate, is that right?

Paliotta: Yeah.

McKeen's: What school was this?

Paliotta: Yeah. I went to a private school called Fairfield Country Day. It's kind of a like a small school the town over from my house. They had an outdoor hockey rink there. I don't know how it really started. Basically, in kindergarten, during the winter time, you would skate two days a week for gym class. Just kind of like learning to skate a little bit. That's how I really got into the sport. Then I started playing for a travel team after that.

McKeen's: That goes well into my next question. I know you played prep hockey at Choate before playing at the USNTDP, but what were the other organizations that you skated for at the different age levels coming up?

Paliotta: I started out playing travel hockey for Darien Youth Hockey, which is just a smaller youth hockey organization in Darien, Connecticut. When I was in about fifth grade, I think, I moved over to Mid-Fairfield, which is kind of near my house. We had a great team there. I had a ton of fun. I learned a lot. I'd say that's kind of where I really started growing into myself and realizing that this was something that I really wanted to do. A lot of credit goes to my coaches there. They really coached me to be a great player. I went to Choate after eighth grade, so I was there for my freshman and sophomore year, and then I came out here.

McKeen's: Looking forward, the World Under-18's are coming up soon. What would you say are the strengths of this team, which you touched on a bit, but also the areas that the team needs to improve on or be mindful of to help ensure three straight golds for Team USA?

Paliotta: We definitely have an advantage going into the tournament, because we've been a team that's been playing together for two years. As far as chemistry, like I said, our lines are rolling right now. We have guys playing their roles and that's really important. Guys are going to have to continue to do that, to be able to play their roles in certain situations. Everyone's going to have to kind of buy into the system. So far, I think we're doing a great job. We play our best when we stick to our game. If we have a line rush or something, making plays off of that, but getting the puck in deep and going to work down low and moving the puck up to the point and getting shots down to the net. Little things like that are what makes our team successful. What we need to do (pauses)… we can never be too complacent. We might play a game and we might win 9-0, but we'll play Canada the next day or something, so we've got to be ready to go. It's a long tournament and everyone's got to be on their "A" game every night. It's going to be a good test for our team, but I think we're all ready for it.

[Note: Team USA did in fact go on to win the 2011 World Under-18 Championships by winning key close games against Switzerland and Russia in the preliminary round, an overtime game against Canada in the semi-finals, and another overtime tilt against Sweden in the gold medal game. The gold was Team USA's third consecutive in the World U-18's.]

McKeen's: Of your teammates, over the course of the two years, who's impressed you the most and why?

Paliotta: I'd say Rocco Grimaldi. He's just such an unbelievable competitor. He's so shifty on the ice. Despite his size, he's really one of the toughest kids I've ever had to play against. He just makes the game so hard. He's so quick and his cut back is unbelievable. He can really shoot the puck. He's a great kid. I've loved playing with him. He's done a lot for our team.

McKeen's: To round things out on a softball, who were some of your favorite players growing up and why and who are some players today who you feel you're similar to or that you'd like to equate to?

Paliotta: Growing up, I've been a Rangers fan my whole life. So, obviously, when Wayne Gretzky was playing there, and a guy like Mark Messier, those were kind of the two big guys. But, Brian Leetch was always a role model for me. Nowadays, I really like to be like a Chris Pronger type of shutdown guy that's a physical presence out there, and maybe even a little bit like a younger guy like Marc Staal. He's just real solid back there. He uses his body really well and uses his stick well also, guys like that. I like to bring a physical presence to the game. I feel it's really important, and both of those guys do it really well.