QA with Hugh Jessiman

Hugh Jessiman, 2003 first round pick of the New York Rangers, is trying to overcome a tumultuous 2004-2005 season. Despite recently inking a professional contract with the Rangers last week, Jessiman played in only 12 games for Dartmouth College of the Eastern College Athletic Hockey League (ECACHL) last season due to a tear of the deltoid ligament in his right ankle, which he sustained early in the season. Jessiman worked hard to rehabilitate his way back onto the Dartmouth roster for the remaining two games of the regular season and all of his club's post-season contests. His reward is an opportunity to win a spot on the New York Rangers.

McKeen's: Hugh, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you like to do away from the rink? Do you have any other favorite sports?

Hugh Jessiman: Well, I like to golf, probably more than any other sport besides hockey. I have been playing since I was young, but I just enjoy being on the course with some buddies during the round. I also love to fly fish, which I often do in the summers with my dad and brother. Otherwise, I am pretty laid back so just being with my friends and family in my free time is nice.

McKeen's: Who is your favorite team? How about your favorite NHL player?

Hugh Jessiman: Since I was young, my favorite team has been the New York Rangers. Being from Connecticut, I went to a few Whalers games but I actually grew up closer to New York City. My favorite player is Joe Thornton of the Boston Bruins. I just like the way he plays and controls the game. I would like to say that I play a similar style to Joe but that may be me just wishing (laughs).

McKeen's: How did you get interested in hockey? At what age did you start playing organized hockey?

Hugh Jessiman: I started playing hockey at the age of four when my parents moved us out of New York City. I fell in love with the game and played mini-mites down at Darien Ice Rink in my town. I guess I just became really interested in hockey when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 94'. After that, I just went out and tried to imagine that I was Alexei Kovalev, Mark Messier and Adam Graves.

McKeen's: As a player, how would you describe yourself? Are you a power forward, a skilled player, a grinder? Name the tools that make up Hugh Jessiman, the hockey player.

Hugh Jessiman: I would say that I am a power forward with some skill. I have a good shot, good hands, and average speed. I like to think that I can see the game well but it is hard as you advance to higher levels of the game where the players are smarter and more skilled.

McKeen's: What do you think made you so successful at the college level? Which of these tools do you think will benefit you the most in the professional game?

Hugh Jessiman: I would say that my playmaking ability helped a lot, accompanied by playing with smart linemates. Mikey Oullette and Lee Stempniak were easy to play with and that certainly made seeing the game much easier. I always considered myself the setup man but they were so good at finding me that I ended up being the scorer.

McKeen's: Two years ago, you were drafted in the first round by the New York Rangers. How do you think your game has progressed since then?

Hugh Jessiman: I have definitely gotten much stronger and that has enabled me to do many more things on the ice against stronger competition. My mental strength has also improved. It is something that has been tested a lot lately and I feel that is equally as important as improving physical strength.

McKeen's: Hugh, this was certainly a tough year for you as you were injured very early on in the hockey season this past year. What did you do to get yourself back into hockey shape and ultimately, back on the ice?

Hugh Jessiman: Well, there were many ups and downs this year with the injury to my ankle but I came out of it stronger and even more motivated to train this summer and have a strong upcoming year. During the injury I couldn't train much but now that I am healthy, I am just doing what I regularly do to get in shape. I've been working really hard so that I can be ready to play this year.

McKeen's: How did it feel to overcome such a tough injury?

Hugh Jessiman: It was great to be able to get back for the end of the season after they told me I was not going to be able to do it. But, more importantly, it was just nice to have one last go of it with the boys and enjoy some time on and off the ice with my team, something I had been missing a lot this year.

McKeen's: Since being drafted by the Rangers, you have trained with NHLer's such as defenseman Darius Kasparitis. What was that experience like? What did you learn about training at the NHL level?

Hugh Jessiman: That was an incredible experience for me and something that I'll always be grateful for. Kaspar is a great guy to be around. He works extremely hard so I was able to learn a lot from him. I guess the biggest thing I learned from him was being professional about training, which means coming in everyday looking to improve your game and get stronger.

McKeen's: What qualities do you think you bring to the New York Rangers organization? Do you think these qualities fit in with what the team is looking for?

Hugh Jessiman: I hope to bring some energy to the organization and I also hope to be able to provide some offense. I am sure being around professional players will help elevate my game so that I can be successful and helpful to the team. I think the Rangers are gunning for a younger, more youthful team so hopefully I am coming in at the right time.

McKeen's: Hockey-wise, what do you expect for yourself for the upcoming season?

Hugh Jessiman: I expect to come in and work hard and see where it takes me. I believe I have the talent to play at the next level, but I think using my work ethic will help me stay there and be successful.