QA with Jack Campbell

U.S. National Team Development Program goaltender Jack Campbell has a history in international play - a history of winning. Heading into the 2010 World Under-18 Championships, Campbell had an 18-1-1-1 record playing for Team USA. The losses include a regulation loss in an exhibition game to Finland prior to the 2009 Four Nations Tournament, a shootout loss to Team Pacific in the semifinals of the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and a shootout loss to Canada in the 2010 World Junior Championships. The victories include though, amongst others, a gold-medal-winning shutout over Russia at the 2009 World Under-18 Championships as a U-17 and an overtime victory over Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championships as a U-18.

Campbell also has a chance at making history at the 2010 World Under-18 Championships. If Team USA takes first in Belarus and Campbell earns the victory in such gold-medal game, he'd become the first goaltender to ever win two gold-medal games, consecutive or otherwise, in the World Under-18 Championships and he'd become the first goaltender to ever win gold-medal games in the World Junior Championships and the World Under-18 Championships in the same year. If he does so, he'll also have a solid shot at making even more history at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, by becoming the first goaltender selected directly from the USNTDP in the first round of an NHL Draft.

McKeen's correspondent Kevin Wey was able to talk to Jack Campbell in person after a late-February game and continued the interview in March over the phone. Campbell discussed with the American goaltender the USNTDP's move to the USHL, his international exploits for Team USA, his choice to de-commit from Michigan and instead play major juniors, his minor hockey career, the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and the goaltenders he looks up to most.

McKeen's: Since I'm talking to you after a USHL game, months ago when they announced the team was going to play in the USHL, what was your reaction, and how does the play here compare to the college schedule?

Campbell: It's obviously very exciting to play in the USHL, a lot of great players. The speed's obviously really good, and the skill level is a step up from what we played last year, so that was very exciting. And, you know? It's great. The college level is just another step up as well, but you can tell that all these kids have bright futures in college hockey, and hopefully some of them even pro hockey?

McKeen's: Last year with the U-17's, you guys basically played in the NAHL, playing 42 of 58 games the program played in the NAHL last year, and you guys did pretty well. But, obviously, the U-17's this year face a different challenge. So, do you think it's helpful for them to play this high of competition or could it be harmful to lose so often?

Campbell: You know that's a tough question, because everybody hates to lose. No matter how well they play, sometimes they're just not going to win, because they're playing 18-, 19-year-old guys with a lot of skill. But, at the same time, I think it's great for their development. Down the road, USA Hockey will keep growing and get better and hopefully we can take over in international competition like we have in the recent past.

McKeen's: As you were answering that, toward the end, I was thinking, "Yes, that is happening." From Under-17 tournaments, to Under-18 tournaments, to the World Junior Championships and even the World Junior A Challenge. What are the biggest differences between the USHL and the NAHL, and what were the biggest adjustments you faced last year playing that North American League hockey?

Campbell: I think it was just another step up for all of us last year, going into a junior hockey league. You have to bring it every single night, and that's really what, as you move on in your life and in your career, you've got to bring it every night, because that's what separates the good players from the great players and the good teams from the great teams. We were able to win that last year. This year, we've kind of been up and down a little bit, but we've been able to find what our true strength is as a team.

McKeen's: It seems like you guys have been trending well lately, at least. Not too long ago, you played at the Six Nations Tournament in Belarus, where you won all three of your starts. How does playing in an Under-18 tournament feel after having played college teams and USHL teams and, in your case, the World Junior Championships?

Campbell: It's always fun to play international competition and the best for your age group. For me, I strive to play against older guys, but when it's time to suit up and play with my own age of guys, I always try to do my best and help this team win, and we have a great team and it's a lot of fun to play with these guys.

McKeen's: With the World Junior Championships, when was it you'd learned you'd been named to the team, who told you, and what was your reaction?

Campbell: Oh, it was kind of an odd process, actually. Coach Dean Blais told me this summer I had made the team, but USA Hockey said they hadn't picked the goalies throughout the year. So, it was kind of like, my first reaction this summer was like, "Holy smokes! I just made the World Juniors team as a 17-year-old." It was a great feeling, but that's not my goal. My goal was to win a gold medal with that team, help that team win a gold medal. When I found out from my goalie coach, Joe Exter, that's kind of when I knew it was official, because he's not going to tell me something that's not true. It was just an unbelievable feeling.

McKeen's: You kind of touched on this, but, as you mentioned, you were a 17-year-old named to the World Junior Championship team. Have people talked about the significance of that with you and, if so, what have they said?

Campbell: Nobody really brings it up around here, because they know how hard Jason Zucker and I have worked to get here, and not only just us, but all of my teammates. But, for Jason and I, it was obviously a tremendous accomplishment. It's something that we'll have on our resumes for the rest of our lives, and it's unbelievable to do it with USA Hockey. But, we really haven't gotten caught up in what it means to us individually.

McKeen's: For the gold medal game, coach Blais initially tabbed Mike Lee to start, and he had started the two games between the shootout loss to Russia, but he had to call on you in relief in the gold medal game. What'd he say about calling on Lee and did you think you'd have such a chance again?

Campbell: He thought I was a little bit rattled after the Canada loss on New Year's Eve, which was understandable. I'm a young kid, a tough shootout loss. I obviously hate losing, especially in a shootout. But, you know what? I just believed in him and all our coaches and our team, and when it was time for me to step in and help the team, I believed I'd be able to do that, because they were able to help me.

McKeen's: So far in your international career with Team USA, you have three loses. One was an exhibition loss to Finland, one was the shootout loss we discussed, and the other was an overtime loss in the World Under-17 Challenge. So, you're 18-1-1-1 in international play by my calculations, which is pretty [dang] good. What have been the keys for you having that level of success in international play?

Campbell: I think it's just the preparation, not only myself, but my teammates put in. We work hard every single day, harder than anybody in the world on and off the ice, and with physical conditioning. You know what? I think it's been a matter of will. I try to play with my youth and skill and use that to my advantage, but I think it just comes down to wanting it more than any other country.

McKeen's: In your time with the Development Program, what would you say are the areas of your game that have improved the most?

Campbell: Definitely my overall technical game. I came in pretty much just as a straight athlete, and that allowed me to make a lot of save. But, being technically sound and being in good position, even from the World Juniors to now, I've really improved on that, just making a save and being patient and finding the puck and letting it hit me.

McKeen's: I thought you were pretty dang good technically at the Fall Classic when I saw you, but sounds like you're getting even better. Similarly, what would you say are the areas of your game that you feel you need to improve on the most to take your game to the next level?

Campbell: Overall, I'd say my leg strength, and just my overall patience. I love the puck and I want it to come to me so bad, but what I really need to take my game to the next level is just letting the play come to me, making the save, controlling the rebound, and following the play, whatever is necessary. Sometimes I just want it too bad and I kind of get a little excited back there. Then, obviously, leg strength. I want to play in the NHL someday and in order to do that, you've got to be, obviously, an exceptional athlete, but you also have to have the physical tools as well. That's something I'm really working hard to try to get.

McKeen's: I remember back in the day when Mike Richter had these huge tree trunk legs, unbelievably strong, yet he was still very flexible. That's hard to get to that level as a goalie, but it sure is handy to have. On the flipside, what would you say are the strengths of your game in net and the style that you play?

Campbell: Well, first and foremost, I win the big games. I think that's a skill that separates me from the rest, I guess. But my athleticism, I try to use, right now I'm trying to use it as a strength and to cover up for weaknesses, like I did in the beginning of the year, and my technical game. I think, overall, being a good teammate and my passion to get better and to win.

McKeen's: Of your international games, which game or tournament are you the most proud of?

Campbell: I'd say the World Junior Championships, because what most people don't realize is that I faced a lot of adversity throughout that tournament. I'm like the first guy that wants to be in there for every game, and I had my chance, and when we weren't able to win that New Year's Eve game, I had to sit on the bench, which is really hard for me. But, I was still a good teammate, followed the process that my coach talked about, and really believed in God. That's what it really came down to, is just a trust in God's plan for myself. You know what? When it came to (pauses)…, it couldn't have worked any better.

McKeen's: You made a little bit of waves this year when you de-committed from Michigan and decided to go to the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires. At what point did you start considering major juniors, at what point did you start seriously considering that move, and tell me about the process and factors that made you decide to make that choice?

Campbell: You know? My goal is to play in the NHL as soon as I can, whether that be in a year or two or whenever it takes me. I just feel, personally, going the CHL route, it suits my personality a lot better. I'm a hockey player. I want to play hockey for the rest of my life, and I know there's things I've got to do after hockey, but right now I'm just focusing on becoming the best hockey player I can be and I feel that's the best route for me to take.

McKeen's: You can always go to school afterward if you need to, regardless. Going back to the beginning of your hockey career, when did you first start playing and how did you get that start?

Campbell: Oh, growing up watching my cousin, Marshall Campbell, he played football at Michigan, a pretty good story. He was always a goalie, and I just fell in love with the position. I actually got talked out of being a goalie from my dad and my uncle and my youth hockey coach and I stormed out of a meeting with all three of them and told them I was going to be a goalie, and I guess it worked out.

McKeen's: What were their reasons for trying to talk you out of it?

Campbell: They thought I'd be a better player. I don't know.

McKeen's: Well, usually the best goalies are good skaters. At what point did you become a full-time goaltender and at what point did you realize you were pretty advanced compared to your peers?

Campbell: I started playing goalie when I was around nine, full-time, and working with some great goalie coaches really helped me take my game to the next level and realize I kind of had some potential there, for being a goaltender. It wasn't probably until about 12, when I won the Quebec pee wee tournament, when I realized kind of what I could do and hopefully make this season someday and then, obviously, winning the Under-18's and the Under-20's is just the next step.

McKeen's: Building the resume. I know one of these, but what are the different organizations that you skated for at the different age levels coming up through the ranks?

Campbell: I came up through the Blue Water Stars organization in Port Huron, Michigan, then I moved up to Little Caesar's, then I played for Compuware and Honeybaked, and I finished with Honeybaked for two years with the midget major team, and then Team USA.

McKeen's: Give me the breakdown of which team at what level.

Campbell: Okay. I played for the Blue Water Stars, then I went up to Little Caesar's, won the Quebec tournament with them, then went to Compuware…

McKeen's: Compuware is bantam minor?

Campbell: … yeah, bantam minor, and then Honeybaked bantam major, and then Honeybaked midget major.

McKeen's: Got it. This is your draft year. You're expected to go pretty high. So, what is your goal in terms of the draft? Is there a point in the first round where you're thinking, "Wow," and is there a point in the late first round or the early second round where you're disappointed, or is there a point like that?

Campbell: Absolutely not. All the hard work I've put into this year, it's not an issue for me, the draft. Wherever I end up going, it's just another day. I mean, obviously it's going to be exciting, and hopefully I end up going really high, but we'll see. I've got a lot of work to do before then, and my goal is to play in the NHL. Wherever I get drafted, I'm going to keep working. Whether I go in the top ten, or whether I go in the sixth round, I'm going to keep working, and hopefully I play there.

McKeen's: I don't think it'll be the sixth round.

Campbell: (Humbly smiles) Yeah.

McKeen's: I remember when I talked to John Moore about this, he said, basically, all draft day pretty much meant was the hat and jersey you wore for the pictures.

Campbell: Yeah.

McKeen's: A prospect of your caliber usually has representation. In your case, I could probably call him an agent now, since you're not on the collegiate track. It sounds like you do. If I might ask, who is that?

Campbell: Yeah, I do. My agent is Kurt Overhardt. He represents KO Sports. He's from Denver, Colorado. He's a good guy.

McKeen's: At what time did different agents start contacting you?

Campbell: Umm, I'd say around when I was 14, 15, right around there. I haven't signed with one yet, but obviously I'm going to with Kurt, just with everything he's done for me. But, yeah, I started talking to agents around 14 and decided to go with Kurt at 15.

McKeen's: What does it feel like as a 14-15-year-old having an agent, especially one of Kurt's caliber, ones that represent NHL players contacting you?

Campbell: Yeah. It's kind of surreal, because you watch all of these guys in the NHL, and all of the sudden their agents at the time go up to you and you go to their website and, sure enough, you see the NHL guys they represent. It kind of puts things into perspective a little bit, if you keep working hard, that you're on the right track. They help out a lot, but at the same time it doesn't change what you have to do yourself to get there.

McKeen's: How often does Kurt check in with you and what's he been saying lately?

Campbell: He doesn't check in too often. During the season, I just go out and play hockey and try to get better each day. We'll talk every couple weekends, sometimes more often than others. He's not the type of guy that's going to tell me things that aren't true or what teams are saying or anything like that. It's just about going out and focusing, and he's just trying to get me in the right direction, as far as my development goes, to allow me to accomplish my goals.

[Note: In-person interview ended at this point and was continued on the phone in March]

McKeen's: We discussed the USHL a little bit back in Des Moines, but I have a couple more questions on it now. The play in the USHL this year, how do you feel it's helped prepare you guys for the international tournaments?

Campbell: Oh, it's been great. It's a tough league, even for the Under-18 team. We're supposed to be beating these guys, but they come out hard every night and they're very skilled teams and there's a lot of high-end players. Not only guys that will play college, but, ultimately, some guys might play in the NHL, too. It's a real highly competitive league. You have to play well every night in order to win, and it really teaches you how to win those close games, which, international, that's huge because, when you go play Sweden, Canada, Russia, you name it, you're not going to be winning 7-1, kind of like we were in the North American League last year. So, it's preparing us for that and allows us to become closer as a team.

McKeen's: As a goaltender, this next question won't affect you as much, but have you guys found, and maybe you have no way of knowing, that the USHL teams try harder against you guys? Do they go after you? Or is just the same?

Campbell: Yeah, definitely. Our coach always comes in before the game and we've got a little team meeting and he's always like, he knows all the other coaches, and he's like, "Man, these guys hate you guys. They think they should be in your seats right now and they want to go out there and prove that they're at that caliber." Every night, we have an "x" on our back. It's great, though, because, at the same time, it's just like anything else - if you want to be the best, you have to play at a high level every single night, and that's what these teams force us to do.

McKeen's: I'm going to assume that you're going to be one of the goalies invited to the NHL Combine. If you're going to be the first or second goalie taken in the draft, I'm pretty sure you're going to be going there. Is there a point where you start training specifically for that and will it be an advantage or a disadvantage to have your season end earlier than some of the guys who go deep in the major junior playoffs or the Memorial Cup?

Campbell: I just think I'm fortunate to be here, just to be honest, because we train a decent amount, compared to all the other CHL guys and European guys, with the National Team Development Program. We're lifting two or three times a week in season. We have boxing, which is just brutal. So, right now, I'm in top shape and I haven't even started my grueling off-season training yet, which I'll start as soon as I get back from the World [Under-18] Championships. So, I'm feeling really good about the Combine. It should be a great experience, and I get to compete with the best and the other great goalies and players in the draft. So, it should be a lot fun.

McKeen's: What have you heard about the Combine and who's told you?

Campbell: I have some really good buddies from the 1991 age group, like Kenny Ryan, Jerry D'Amigo, I could go all day. But, yeah, they went last year and they did really well coming from the NTDP. They kind of gave me the low down, what testing they did, the interviews. Then, also, my agent, Kurt Overhardt, he's kind of given me a little bit of information right now, but we're not going to get into it until after the Worlds.

McKeen's: To round things out, who were some of your favorite players and/or goalies growing up and why and who some goaltenders today that you look up to the most and the ones you feel you're most likely to be similar to?

Campbell: Yeah, that's a good question. Well, growing up I always loved Marty Turco. Even to this day, I still do. I actually was fortunate enough to meet him this year at the Red Wings game, he took some time to meet with me. It was one of the most memorable days of my life, just meeting one of my idols. I just love him because of the goalie he is. He's really fun to watch. I don't necessarily model my game after him, because he's obviously such an unbelievable athlete. I don't know if I could play like that and have as much success as I do. But, the guy I model my game after now, and kind of idolize a little bit more, is Ryan Miller. Obviously, he's doing pretty well this year. He's just a great guy, and the way he plays is similar to the way I try to play. He's just a really fun goalie to watch and I can learn from every time I watch him.

McKeen's: I get the feeling that a few years down the road that the number of American goalies that I will get saying "Ryan Miller's my favorite" is going to go up. It'll be like, "Oh, yeah. I watched him in the Olympics and after that…" Ryan's definitely having a great season.

Campbell: Oh, yeah. It's great to see, too, for USA Hockey and him, because he's such a good person, too.

McKeen's: He keeps Buffalo in the thick of things.

Campbell: Yep.