QA with JT Barnett

Mckeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Vancouver Giants forward JT Barnett. Eligible for the 2010 NHL Enter Draft, Barnett talks about his game, his minor hockey roots, playing for the Vancouver Giants and coach Don Hay and the influence his dad (Michael Barnett) and Wayne Gretzky have had on his career to date.

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey?

Barnett: I grew up in California and started playing minor hockey in Los Angeles with the West Valley Wolves, and then moving on to places and teams like Lake Arrowhead with the Rangers, L.A. Selects, and Phoenix Junior Coyotes.

McKeen's: How did you decide to play your junior hockey in the WHL instead of going the NTDP, and the NCAA route like so many other American-born players?

Barnett: There were a number of reasons, first, upon being drafted by the Giants I recognized with such people like owner Ron Toigo, GM Scott Bonner, and coach Don Hay that I was going to a world class organization. The other reason was that because I'm still in high school, I would have had to wait several years before I could play in the NCAA.

McKeen's: What is it like playing for the Vancouver Giants?

Barnett: We play a very structured game and rely on our team speed and work ethic. As I said we have great practice facilities and everyone in this organization is top notch from ownership down to the trainers.

McKeen's: You didn't play a lot last year in your rookie season, how has your game developed from last year to this year?

Barnett: I didn't set any goals going into last season. It was a learning experience after playing midget in Phoenix. My stats were not the best, but after talking with the coaching staff and my dad I realized I had to work on some things in the off-season. I went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to a power-skating school and practiced getting my shot off sooner, and going to the net with more grit, and so far it's paid off.

McKeen's: Does confidence come with success?

Barnett: I'm getting to play a bigger role this year with all the spots that have opened up and so far it's working out for me as I have stepped up like so many others have done in the past and have made the necessary adjustments to my game over last season.

McKeen's: How much influence has your dad Mike Barnett had on your development?

Barnett: In two words "a lot", I mean growing up as a kid and knowing Wayne Gretzky and his kids was great, and also being able to hang around the Phoenix Coyotes practice facilities has really made me want to become a pro hockey player. I talk with my dad just about every day to ask him advice about what I can do to improve my game.

McKeen's: What are your strengths and what would you like to work on?

Barnett: I think my speed, size, and strength on the puck are my strong points. I've gained 10 pounds and worked on my core strength over the summer. I'm now 6-feet and 195 pounds and I want to take the puck strong to the net as well as protecting it and not being easily knocked off of it. I'm not afraid to go to the net and take the punishment to make a play. Things I would like to work on, well, I would like to work on my shot as far as velocity and also getting it off quicker.

McKeen's: How about your defensive game?

Barnett: I've learned a lot here under the watchful eye of Don Hay. Obviously, you cannot be one dimensional, you have to play both ends of the ice and I'm constantly learning and working hard at that part of the game.

McKeen's: The transition game has always been a big part of the Giants and the forecheck. Do you practice this often?

Barnett: We do a lot of drills on that part of the game which includes backchecking hard.

McKeen's: The team is enjoying success and leading the division again so far this season, have you set any team goals?

Barnett: Of course we would like to finish as high as we can in the standings and have home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. A shot at the Memorial Cup is every team's goal. As for now we are taking it day by day.

McKeen's: Coach Don Hay likes to roll four lines and sometimes you have different linemates. Is it tough to adjust to different linemates?

Barnett: Any of the guys that play here know how to play our system, so the answer is no it's not at all tough to lineup with anyone on the team in that regard.

McKeen's: How tough is it to play for coach Don Hay?

Barnett: It's tough, and it has its moments. He expects a lot whether you're a 20-year-old or a 16-year-old. He teaches patience and discipline, and sometimes players need this. He makes us all better for it, and has helped a lot of players on their way to NHL careers.

McKeen's: This is your draft year, many scouts are watching you, does that lend any added pressure?

Barnett: I'm not putting any added pressure on myself and I'm just going out and playing my game and good things will happen.

McKeen's: One last question, what does J. T. Barnett like to do away from hockey?

Barnett: I like hanging out with my friends I grew up with in Arizona, along with music, X box games and relaxing.