QA with Billy Sauer

New York born Billy Sauer is already being mentioned as one of the best available goalie prospects for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft due to his elite skill and the mental maturity that few netminders possess at such a young age. McKeen's caught up with the poised puck-stopper and got his thoughts on everything from the 2006 NHL Entry Draft to why he committed to the University of Michigan.

McKeen's: Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you like to do away from the rink, any hobbies, favourite food?

Billy Sauer: Even in my spare time I usually hang out at the rink or on weekends in the summer I'll spend the day at my cottage.

McKeen's: Whose your favourite NHL team,? Favourite player?

Billy Sauer: Favorite NHL team is Buffalo and favorite player is Khabibulin.

McKeen's: Who got you started in hockey and did you always want to be a goalie?

Billy Sauer: My Cousin Steve got me into hockey when I was 3, He played D3 at Geneseo. I always knew I wanted to be a goalie but my family never wanted to have one in the family. They would let me play a few games in net, until one day I told them I wanted to be a goalie for good, and even though they encouraged me to be a forward I still loved being in the pipes.

McKeen's: How important has your family been to your hockey career?

Billy Sauer: My family has meant a lot to my success in hockey. They have always supported my decisions and have followed me no matter where I have played. My Midget Minor year they drove me 95 miles to Buffalo where I practiced so I could be on a good team where I wanted to play.

McKeen's: Please describe yourself as a goalie. What are you good at and what do you need to improve on? Is there anyone that your pattern yourself on?

Billy Sauer: I have been more of a goalie that relies on athletic ability in the past but I am changing to a style with less 'acrobatic' saves where I am constantly square to the puck.

McKeen's: Have you committed to a college and if so what attracted you to that school?

Billy Sauer: I'm committed to the University of Michigan, I was attracted to the school because of their hockey tradition and the opportunity I will have to play there.

McKeen's: What was your experience like at the recent USA Hockey Select 17 Festival? What was the best part?

Billy Sauer: I had fun at the Select 17 Festival, it was nice to meet new kids and to even see new goalies my age that I haven't seen before.

McKeen's: Last season your goaltending partner was Shane Connelly. How did you get along with him?

Billy Sauer: Shane was a good leader for me early in the season, I really learned a lot from him and hope he does well at Wisconsin.

McKeen's: Who is the best player you've ever gotten a chance to play with and or against?

Billy Sauer: Most likely Blake Wheeler of Green Bay, he scored against me with less than a minute left of a game to win.

McKeen's: Last season you played for Chicago Steel in the USHL under coach Wil Nichol. Can you tell us what it was like to play for him and what you learned from him? Did you have a goalie coach?

Billy Sauer: Wil was a great coach, he made my first year of juniors enjoyable. I really got to know what it was like to play at the higher levels of hockey.

McKeen's: Have you decided on where you'll be playing this season?

Billy Sauer: Most likely for the University of Michigan, if not then I will play for a team in the USHL.

McKeen's: There are rumblings that you could challenge for a spot in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Have you given much thought to what it would be like to be drafted and the pressure that comes along with it?

Billy Sauer: Being a first round draft pick is definitely a goal of mine, there is a lot of pressure but that is usually what drives me to do better.

McKeen's: When your hockey career is over what do you hope to do?

Billy Sauer: When all is said and done I hope to be still involved with the sport of hockey and to help it grow.