Prospect Interview featuring - Sam Mellor

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to interview forward Sam Mellor of the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL. Mellor talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Smoke Eaters, 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?

Mellor: I played my minor hockey in Cranbrook, BC, and major midget in Castlegar, BC.

McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming from major midget to Junior A with the Trail Smoke Eaters?

Mellor: Playing against guys that are a little older than me and are a little quicker and have more experience in the league than I do.

McKeen's: Why did you decide to play in the BCHL rather than major junior and the WHL?

Mellor: I decided that school was more important and I wanted to play in the NCAA. I had offers from WHL teams and I was flattered, but I made the right choice.

McKeen's: Did you have any personal or team goals you wanted to achieve in this being your draft year?

Mellor: Our team goal is to finish first in the Interior Division and convert that into a deep playoff run. As for myself, I just want to continue to put points on the board and finish the season strong.

McKeen's: What is the strongest part of your game, and what are some of the things you want to work on?

Mellor: I think my skating is the strongest part of my game. The thing that I want to work on the most is my defensive-zone coverage.

McKeen's: Just how important do you think defense is in making it to the pro level?

Mellor: It's huge obviously, you can't be one dimensional. If you can't play defense you'll likely not succeed at the pro level.

McKeen's: What's it like playing for such an esteemed and tradition-laden franchise like the Trail Smoke Eaters?

Mellor: It has a lot of legacy and heritage. The team has struggled in recent years, but with the group of guys we have here the fans will be excited and we hope to bring home a championship to them.

McKeen's: In the off-season what was the biggest thing you wanted to work on to get prepared for this season?

Mellor: I wanted to get stronger in my lower body area so I could be stronger on the puck and be able to withstand the pressure while cycling the puck along the wall. The extra weight training has paid off so far this season.

McKeen's: Does it bother you that scouts are watching you?

Mellor: I'm just focused on playing my game and helping my team win every night.

McKeen's: Who has had the biggest impact on your hockey career to date?

Mellor: One of my former skills coaches' his name was Jay Banks, from Kimberly, BC, at a camp called Sportsville. He helped me with a lot of my hockey skill drills and with personal motivation.

McKeen's: Growing up watching the NHL on television, was there any specific player you admired and wanted to pattern your game after?

Mellor: Kris Versteeg is a favourite that comes to mind; he has a good all-round game and has a lot of energy and leadership skills.

McKeen's: If you could make one change in hockey what would that be?

Mellor: I would eliminate the shootout, and replace it with a prolonged overtime period with 3-on-3 hockey. It would be more exciting for the fans.

McKeen's: What's it like to be considered a top prospect?

Mellor: I didn't really expect to get a lot of attention at the beginning of the season, but it's an honour, and I'm just going to go out and play my game and see what happens at the draft.

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

Mellor: I like to play a lot of golf and go to the beach.