QA with Chris Durand, Part One

Seattle forward Chris Durand spoke with McKeen's about a variety of issues, including the NHL lockout. Make sure to check back tomorrow, when Durand talks about his admiration for Mario Lemieux and how 007 is always a welcome sight in his DVD player.

McKeen's: Do you live on your own or with a host family? Still get homesick for the -40 and the frozen water in the basement?

Chris Durand: Last year I lived with Tyler Metcalfe. He set such a good example for me. This year, I live with a host family, but I have my own space, so I'm kind of on my own. I could be a momma's boy and say how much I miss my mom. Because I do.

McKeen's: What about the kids you come into contact with—fans at the games. If a 12-year old asked you how he can get to be where you are when he's your age, what would you tell him?

Durand: I would tell him to work hard and be aware of the sacrifices. There are things I gave up to get here and things he would have to give up. But if you're willing to put in the hard work and effort, the hard work pays off. It's an honor to be a role model. To know those kids are looking up to you and wanting to set a positive example for them. I'll do it as much as I can: the more the better. It's so important. Unfortunately the media often chooses to highlight the negative and there are so many players who are such good role models on and off the ice.

STARTING EARLY

McKeen's: There's been a change in the team system from last season to this year. Tell me more about Coach Sumner's approach and why it's worked so well for the team this year.

Durand: Coach came to everyone's hometown this summer and had individual meetings with all of us to discuss the system and the expectations. So, in the middle of summer, he got everyone in the same set mind frame. We all came to training camp knowing the way to play. And the coaching staff enforces and reinforces the system. The guys have really responded.

We're a tough team to beat when we're playing the system. Being strong in our own end is very important. The team plus/minus is amazing—most of the team has been even or above throughout the season. There's great chemistry. I play on a couple of different lines and the way we are able to work together as a team is great. I think last year we were touted and talented and good on paper, but in a way, we were lacking that passion and desire. If I could change anything, I'd go back and try to instill and play with that desire and drive.

McKeen's: What's important for you and the team to remember during the last month of the regular season, especially as February (so far) has been a tough month?

Durand: We need to focus on the team guidelines and system and believe in ourselves and in the system. We need to come in every day and work on it and continue to put in the effort. We're on the right track.

McKeen's: What do you do to prepare for games? Any hockey superstitions?

Durand: I just like to be ready to go when it comes time to be on the ice. I have my set routine, but nothing flashy. I try to limit the outside distractions as much as possible. Some of the guys drink a little coffee and get a little caffeine buzz before we go out and some guys like to follow the same player out on the ice every time. But overall we're not known as superstitious team. We keep it pretty simple. I'm sure the goalies have their routines and rituals as goalies often do.

McKeen's: You were quoted back in September as saying it was too early to think about your draft position and the rankings because there was a whole season left to play. With most of the season behind you, are those numbers starting to filter in to your thoughts more now?

Durand: Yeah, a little, but I'm not a guy who checks the latest numbers. This is the most important part of the season for the team, and I'm focused on the Memorial Cup. Everything else will resolve itself. I want a solid finish for the team.

KNEE IS OK

McKeen's: What was going through your mind, starting your draft year injured? Did the knee injury affect your overall training or game approach?

Durand: It was disappointing to watch the season start without me, but the trainers and I really worked hard at making sure we completely rehabilitated the knee because this was the second time I've injured it. The rehab really worked because I haven't had any problems with it since.

McKeen's: What are your greatest strengths as a player?

Durand: I like to think I'm a playmaker and solid at both ends of the ice. I like to be a go-to guy. I try not to focus on one dimension; I try to be well rounded. Face-offs are important. You win a face-off in the offensive zone and it's a scoring chance. I try to read the other guy and get a sense of what he's going to do in order to know how to take it and get the win. My dad told me when I was young if you win face-offs, you control 50% of the game right from the start.

McKeen's: Did your dad play?

Durand: Like any kid, he played growing up. And he played a little college hockey. We get one year of tuition for each year in the WHL. I'm not going to wait until I'm done with hockey to start. I plan to keep chipping away at it as I play by taking correspondence courses. That way, when I'm done with hockey, I won't have to start from scratch. I'm taking an English course right now. I've gone to school and played hockey my entire life, I'm used to balancing them.

DRAFT THOUGHTS

McKeen's: Do you feel pressure in being touted a "1st round pick?" How do you deal with the expectations?

Durand: You need to bring your game every night. But not just for yourself, for your team. The expectations make you work a lot harder, knowing there's always eyes in the stands. But you can't let that distract you and take your focus away from the game.

McKeen's: How has the official cancellation of the 2004-2005 season within the last couple of days affected your goals and plans—the possibility of playing your draft year again?

Durand: I'm disappointed. I'm a huge NHL fan and I follow it during the season. The Cup won't be awarded . . . it's disappointing. But that's the way it's panned out. There's nothing I can do but hope they come to an agreement soon.

Check back tomorrow when Durand talks about his admiration for Mario Lemieux, as well as his experience at the CHL Top Prospects game.