QAs with Cratsenberg and Gal

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the chance to conduct interviews with T.C. Cratsenberg and Blake Gal of the Spokane Chiefs Blades. Both eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Cratsenberg and Gal talk about their game, minor hockey roots, being watched by scouts, goals for the season and their biggest influences to date.

T.C. Cratsenberg

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

Cratsenberg: I played most of my minor hockey with the Seattle Junior Thunderbirds, and just before coming into the WHL with Spokane I moved to Michigan to improve my skating skills which helped me make the Chiefs.

McKeen's: Was it difficult to make the jump from minor hockey to the WHL, and what are the major differences?

Cratsenberg: Oh, it's a big step above whatever level you've played before. Major difference is the pace and speed of the game, it's faster and you have to be prepared and in shape and ready to go.

McKeen's: What are the strengths of your game, and also the things you want to work on to improve your draft status in the second half of the season?

Cratsenberg: I would have to say my size and strength, I'm not afraid to go into the corners, I'm not afraid to be physical and drop the gloves when it's needed. I would like to improve my shot and skating, and also to be able to square up and finish my checks properly.

McKeen's: You have good hands as witnessed by your quick release, is it something you practice regularly?

Cratsenberg: Well, I always like to get the puck off quickly, if you hold onto it too long the guys in this league will be on top of you in no time. As well, you want to get a chance to make a play, it's highly likely you'll turn it over.

McKeen's: Playing on a team that is generally considered the best defensive team in the WHL, has that helped you develop a good defensive game?

Cratsenberg: Yes, definitely if you can't play defense, you quite simply won't make this team. This team has a tradition of playing a strong defensive system and you have to jump in and learn the system and that's helped me individually.

McKeen's: Who has had the biggest impact on your hockey career to date?

Cratsenberg: My parents have always supported me and been there for me through good times and rough times.

McKeen's: Have you played any other sports besides hockey growing up?

Cratsenberg: I played a little bit of soccer as well as baseball but once I reached the high school level I concentrated on hockey.

McKeen's: Has the team or yourself set any goals that you would like to achieve in the second half of the season?

Cratsenberg: As a team, we would like to finish a little higher in the standings to secure home ice advantage and to be able to have a long playoff run. As for me, I want to put some more points up on the board and play a little more physical.

McKeen's: Would it be a fair assessment to point out that you have improved your core strength and are not easily muscled off the puck?

Cratsenberg: Yes, that would be a fair assessment, I have improved on my core strength, the simple reason is that when you're playing against older guys you want to be able to protect the puck and keep your balance.

McKeen's: Do you worry about scouts constantly watching you night after night?

Cratsenberg: The team comes first. I just go out there and play my game. I'm not going to worry about the scouts in the stands. I have to go out and help the team win games as best I can.

McKeen's: Let's talk about the coaching with the Chiefs. Have they helped you in developing your game and getting you ready for the next level?

Cratsenberg: Oh yes, the coaches here have had a big impact in teaching me the little things that have to be done in game situations to make me a better player. Defense obviously comes first here, and the offense will come on transition and turnover situations.

McKeen's: How do you compare how far hockey has come in the U.S. over the past 10 years as far as the development of talent?

Cratsenberg: Oh yeah, it has definitely come a long way. If you look at the American players drafted high into the WHL, and in general to CHL teams and then in turn being drafted by NHL teams, I believe are due in part to better programs and hockey systems that have come full circle over the years.

McKeen's: What does T.C. Cratsenberg like to do in the off-season?

Cratsenberg: I like to play video games with my roommate.

McKeen's: Do you win a lot?

Cratsenberg: Oh yeah, NHL 2010 all the way.

Blake Gal

McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey before being drafted by the Spokane Chiefs and coming into the WHL?

Gal: I played all my minor hockey since the age the age of five in the Lethbridge minor hockey system.

McKeen's: What is the biggest change or adjustment you've had to make or noticed about playing in the WHL as compared to minor hockey?

Gal: It's sort of a combination of everything. It's bigger, stronger, faster, and the players are smarter with the puck.

McKeen's: This being your draft year, is there any set goals that you for yourself in the second half of the season?

Gal: I just want to be able to go out there and play the best I can and hopefully scouts are watching me, and how my game is developing.

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

Gal: My strengths would definitely be my skating and shot. I would like to work on my offensive-zone play.

McKeen's: Playing defense is a big part of being able to adapt to any game situation. The Chiefs have a strong defensive system, is playing defense a big part of your game?

Gal: Well, our team philosophy is defense first. Usually, a team that has a good defense has a better chance at winning a team championship. Keeping the puck out of the net is our mantra, and yes it's a big part of my game.

McKeen's: With the amount of scouts watching you and analyzing your game, do you let that bother you, or do you block it out and just go out and play your game?

Gal: You have to focus on the task at hand and play the game. If you let that stuff play on your mind you're going to make mistakes and not play well.

McKeen's: Who has had the biggest impact on your hockey career to date?

Gal: My dad for sure has had a lot of influence on how I've developed as a player. He's played in the WHL, and was drafted and played for Philadelphia.

McKeen's: Any goals that you or the team have going forward here in the second half of the season?

Gal: Definitely, a team goal is to get back to the Memorial Cup this year, and we think we can with the guys we have in the room. For myself, I would just like to be drafted.

McKeen's: What does Blake Gal like to do when he's not playing hockey?

Gal: I like playing the video game 'Call of Duty' with the guys and just hanging out with my teammates.