USHL: QA with Joe Gleason

Edina High School defenseman Joe Gleason was a finalist for Minnesota's Mr. Hockey Award in 2007-08 and helped lead his team to the finals at the State Tournament as one of the top-scoring defensemen in the state. In 2008-09, the 5-foot-9, 178-pound blueliner will play for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, after trades from Omaha and Green Bay, and looks set to be one of the Bucs' powerplay quarterbacks, as the team attempts to regain lost glory.

McKeen's correspondent Kevin Wey had the opportunity to talk with Gleason at the Des Moines Buccaneers invitational camp the Tuesday before the NHL Entry Draft. Gleason who was selected in the 7th round (192 overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks this weekend discussed his trade to Des Moines (USHL), his young hockey career in Edina, his commitment to the University of North Dakota, playing for Team USA, and his thoughts of being selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

(Editors Note) Click the links for recent interviews with fellow Des Moines Buccaneers teammates Jake Youso and Austin Handley also conducted by McKeen's correspondent Kevin Wey.

McKeen's: Well, some of the biggest news for you lately is the fact you were traded from the Green Bay Gamblers, along with Aaron Crandall and Jake Youso, to the Des Moines Buccaneers before the USHL Entry Draft. When and how did you find out and what was your reaction?

Gleason: I actually was watching the draft, because I was watching for some of my buddies to get going, and actually this is the second time I've been traded. So it was a big surprise to me because I got drafted in 10th grade by Omaha and then my junior year I got traded to Green Bay, and I had just recently visited Green Bay and everything seemed set and ready to go, and all of the sudden I'm in Des Moines and they get [J.P.] Parise and I couldn't be happier, to tell you the truth.

McKeen's: Yeah, anyone who has been fortunate enough to have anything to do with J.P.'s work at Shattuck or at a camp of his, comes away impressed. As you mentioned, you were traded last season, in the Seth Soley trade. How did you learn of that trade and what was your reaction?

Gleason: I was actually just sitting in school and I got a call from coach [Mark] Mazzoleni, just in the middle of school, and he said, "Yeah, we traded for you, traded for Seth Soley." I'd played with Seth in the Elite League. He was actually the top scorer, I think, the top forward scorer in points, and I was the top "d" scorer points, so it seemed like a pretty fair trade to me. I think it was because, actually, I don't think Seth wanted to be in Green Bay, for some reason, and asked for a trade, and that's how it ended up going down. But, yeah, it was just a surprise to me, and thought I was going there, and now I'm going to Des Moines.

McKeen's: A little closer for the parents, maybe.

Gleason: Yeah, definitely. Three hours instead of four is always nice.

McKeen's: You have been able to skate a little bit now with the Bucs, at camp, what are your initial impressions of the organization and coaches Parise and McConnell?

Gleason: Well, I'm not sure if you know this, but I've played for Curt Giles over in Edina, and J.P. is, I might as well call him Curt. He's the exact same guy, played the same amount of years in the NHL, both have the same kind of experiences, and they both kind of have the same coaching style, and I like that a lot. It's a real easy transition for me, and coach McConnell's been real easygoing, already giving me tips and advice during practice, so they're welcoming me real nice. So, I'm happy to be here.

McKeen's: Curt and J.P. both have a history with the North Stars, how well do they know each other?

Gleason: I actually talked to Curt earlier today on the phone and he only had good things to say about J.P., says he's a great guy who knows a lot about the game. But, the one thing that I like about both of them is they care about who you are as a person, not only as a hockey player, and that's important to me.

McKeen's: With the benefit of skating for coach like Curt Giles, who has played in the NHL, what are some of the things he was able to teach you that someone playing for another high school team would not have?

Gleason: I think the advantages are they've been there. They've gone through it, they've gotten cut, they've made teams, they've played at a high level, and when guys have played at a high level for that long, you have to listen to them. There's just automatic respect for them, that you have to give them, because they've been there, they've done the whole thing, they've done the dream that you want to live, and that's definitely something I want to do. So, you've got to listen.

McKeen's: Now, this past season with Edina you were named a finalist for the Mr. Hockey Award and earned other awards such as Class AA All-Tournament Team, Pioneer Press All-State First Team, and more. What were some of the highlights for you this past season and the accomplishments you are most proud of this past year?

Gleason: Well, obviously the Mr. Hockey and All-Tournament Team were great, but the big thing for me was just how well our team did, getting all the way to the championship game of the state final. Obviously our goal was to win it, fell a little short at the end there, ran into a hot goalie, but I think my biggest accomplishment was just helping out my team to get there, because that was our goal. I mean, Mr. Hockey, All-Conference, the All-Tournament teams, those are great, but you've got learn to be a team player, especially in this league. It's not going to be like high school anymore, where you can skate around guys, like at the state tournament. So, I know I'm excited, I want to be a big team guy here and do whatever I can to win.

McKeen's: You guys did have a pretty good last year, with a record of, like, 23-2 heading into the postseason.

Gleason: Yeah. We only had, my last two years I think we only had a total of five or six losses. So, one loss, then two losses in the tournament. Obviously, we had a good team. I had a line of Division I players surrounding me, so that gave me a good taste of what I'd be playing with here, guys like [Zach] Budish, [Marshall] Everson, and [Anders] Lee, you'll probably see those names coming up in the future, too. You know, it was nice. I had guys around me, I had good coaches, and I'm hoping for the same here.

McKeen's: What are some of your proudest accomplishments from your other seasons with Edina and favorite memories, both as an individual and as a group?

Gleason: Well, the funny thing about Edina is that group of guys has been together ever since mites. No one left. The big thing in Edina is people usually go to private schools, we lose a few guys here and there, but the reason we've been so good the last couple of years is that group's always been so good together. I mean, we won the Bantam A state championship, and I think we went to the state tournament every year we were with that group. Last year, obviously, we fell short, but winning in sections both years in a row, and we've got a tough section to come out of, it's not a cakewalk like some of the other teams, Section 6. It was fun. I just couldn't be more proud of my team. Playing with your friends in front of your family and friends throughout high school is unbelievable. That's something that I don't think I'll ever have again, but I'm excited for bigger and better things.

McKeen's: That is one of the things, talking with other Minnesota high school players this season and other seasons, how a lot of the players from Michigan, Illinois, etc., that go the midget route don't really get to experience, bouncing from team to team.

Gleason: Yeah. I think that (pauses), there's an advantage to both sides. The guys from Michigan and out East and out West that play on the AAA teams, they get a little bit better competition, if you want to say that. There's not as many weak guys down on the third and fourth lines, but I really think there's a team aspect that they lose there, because just growing up with your friends and learning how to bond with the team, grow up as a team throughout the years, is really important. I think that's something that you really get to do in high school, because you're playing for your friends, you're playing for your family, you're not just at some random place. I mean, you've been here for 16 years and your goal since you came to Edina, at least, was to win the state championship, and that's something we always are very proud of and trying to accomplish. I know that midgets and majors have their advantages, too, but I think either way is great.

McKeen's: You have touched on this a bit already, but you also put up some big numbers in the Elite League. Tell me about skating in that league and how it helped you.

Gleason: I think the Elite League was good because the high school hockey, you know, is not as competitive. It (the Elite League) kind of brings in the AAA, major midget factor. That helped the Minnesota guys out a lot, just having about six teams of the top Minnesota guys. I think those teams could compete in the majors with, like, Honeybaked, and teams like that. Those are what the Minnesota teams, I think, would look like. So, that gave you a good taste of that other competition out there.

McKeen's: Who were some of the best players you played against in recent seasons in high school hockey and what made them stick out to you?

Gleason: Well, obviously, in the Elite League, Aaron Ness. I mean, I'm sure you've heard that name a million times, but he's actually a good buddy of mine. I was d-partners with Jake Gardiner, and guys like that, they're just so quick and smart. That's what shocks you more than anything. Actually, the guys I've played with on my Elite team were probably the best ones that I saw. Guys like Budish and Lee, they're monsters. I mean, you see some of these forwards, they're like, Budish is like 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, and when he gets going, he's almost just as fast as me. I remember my first year in the Elite League, guys like Aaron Marvin, Jordy Christian, you'll see them at the WCHA. Most Minnesota guys, their goal is to play in the WCHA, and that's where you see most of them go. Guys like that, it's fun to play with them, you learn a lot from them. That's what I like a lot about the Elite League, you learn a lot about different players.

McKeen's: Going back to you, what would you consider the strengths of your game?

Gleason: Definitely, my skating, my speed, and my vision. I always consider myself a set-up guy, not always a big goal-scorer, but I can get them here and there, like at the state tournament, I had a few pretty good goals. But, I'd consider myself a set-up guy that's got good vision, a mobile defenseman that skates backwards and forwards very well.

McKeen's: I noticed that tonight, how you were moving very well laterally along the blueline and standing guys up.

Gleason: Yeah, that's always been, I don't want to say an issue, but something that has come up a lot with me, you know, "You're a little guy." Coaches got on me a lot and I'm really trying to pick up the physical game. I don't consider myself a small guy when I'm playing on the ice. I mean, I want to think of myself just as big as everyone else. I like the physical game, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with it. If I'm in a corner with a guy, I'm coming out with the puck, I'll do whatever I have to do. Obviously, I'm a speed guy, and I have some skill, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to hit you.

McKeen's: Along those lines, what are some of the areas of your game that you are working on improving?

Gleason: Definitely my defensive zone play. I mean, obviously it helped to have Curt, a small defenseman, just working in front of the net and penalty kills and stuff like that and just making that first right move and knowing when to jump up in the play and when not to. Just kind of working on my vision going out of the d-zone.

McKeen's: On the college track, you've committed to the University of North Dakota, and are slated to go there in 2009. When did UND first start watching you and then contact you and what made you decide becoming a Fighting Sioux was right for you?

Gleason: Actually, it was a funny way that I found out that they were interested in me. I'm good buddies with Danny Kristo, I grew up with him, and at Select 15's, Kristo was being watched by them, and I was like, "You know, Kristo? I really like North Dakota, I love their facilities, and they seem like they do well every year. They're like one of the only teams I haven't heard from." And then Kristo's like, "Well, no, no. They talk to me about you all the time." "Oh, really? I didn't know that." "Yeah, they've got a background check on you and everything." I was like, "Oh, wow. I didn't know that." Then, the next that I actually talked with him was when I made that Team USA Select Festival U-17 team, coach [Carey] Eades was the other team's coach, and so I got to know him there, and then going into junior year, I took a visit at the beginning of the season. That was just kind of starting off, getting to know them. I kept in touch with them ever since, and then I took a second visit after I had a couple offers from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and St. Cloud and Notre Dame, and after I had a couple offers from them, North Dakota threw out their offer. I did visit the University of Minnesota, but they had a lot of d-recruits at the time and I just didn't feel like that was the right spot for me at the time, they'd used up a lot of their bullets. So, North Dakota just felt right and I really, really, really liked the coaches. [Dane] Jackson, [Dave] Hakstol, they remind me a lot of Giles, just really down-to-earth but super intense at the same time. I like that a lot, it just felt right when I was there.

McKeen's: Any school aside from those that you mentioned that recruited you and that you considered?

Gleason: You know, I would have liked, maybe, to visit Denver and CC (Colorado College), but at the same time, I'm pretty sure that I know that I wouldn't have gone out there. I wanted to stay close. The two that I was down to were North Dakota and Duluth, but North Dakota was kind of always on the top of my list, it was never really a big issue of where I wanted to go. I considered Duluth a little bit, but North Dakota was just the spot for me.

McKeen's: And UND has sent a lot of defenseman on to the NHL, or who are on their way to the NHL.

Gleason: Yeah, and that's what I like, too. One thing when I visited there, I said I wanted to play for a WCHA team, and I wanted to play for someone who wants to contend for a national championship. And they go, "Well that's two of our goals, and the third one is we also want to get you in the NHL." And, I kind of looked at them and was like, "Wow, I wouldn't mind that, either." Obviously, that's a good goal. You see guys like [Taylor] Chorney and [Chay] Genoway, who'll probably sign a pro contract here within the next couple years, but guys like that, you look up to, and you see them coming out of the program that you're heading into. It's pretty cool.

McKeen's: A couple of summers ago, you also skated for Team USA at the 2006 Three Nations Tournament in Rochester, New York. Tell me about that experience.

Gleason: Oh, that was really neat. I mean, it was a little disappointing that we were hosting the tournament that year, so I didn't get to go over to Europe, but that's fine. I mean, just to be selected on that team is an honor. I got to meet a lot of new guys. I still talk with guys all the time, guys like Brett Beebe, and Rocco [Carzo] who's here (with Des Moines). I met a bunch of cool guys, and we still keep in touch, that's the cool thing. We had the opportunity to win that tournament, which was really neat. That opened a lot of doors for me college-wise, too. I think that's really when all the other stuff really started coming in.

McKeen's: Now, this Friday and Saturday is the NHL Entry Draft, and your name has been on CSS's lists and others. Do you think about that at all?

Gleason: You know, I have a little bit. I think, as of right now, I'm sitting kind of on the bubble between if I'm going to get washed out by the Europeans or not. I've got to wait and see. I've talked to a few teams here and there, but if I don't get drafted, it's just another thing for me to prove people wrong. I'm a smaller guy, and the NHL's going to draft you on potential, you're coming out of high school. I'm only 5-foot-8-and-a-half, or whatever you want to say. So, I'm sure that hurt me a little bit, where they have me sitting right now, but I'd love to get drafted, obviously. But, if I don't, I'm going to work my ass off, and I'm a free agent, and hopefully sign with a team in the future.

McKeen's: And there's always eligibility in the draft the next two years.

Gleason: Yes, exactly.

McKeen's: If I might ask, what NHL teams have shown the most interest, to your knowledge?

Gleason: Well, I've received things from the Penguins, the Leafs, and Dallas. I think the Penguins sent me the biggest questionnaire they have, it's really long. But, obviously, I want teams to contact me and I want to go somewhere where they have interest in me. But, if I get drafted in the NHL, I'm going to work my ass off for whoever picks me, because whoever picks me obviously wanted me, and I'm going to do everything I can to make the team.

McKeen's: If I'm a director of amateur scouting for an NHL team, why should I consider drafting Joe Gleason?

Gleason: Definitely as a powerplay guy, a defenseman who's mobile and who's going to make the nice move out of the zone, make the one pass out, and you're easy-going, a good transition defenseman. I'm definitely not afraid to pound guys, either. I'm not going to sit back and not take hits. I'm definitely up for that, too, but I definitely see myself as that playmaker and set-up guy.

McKeen's: Going back to your childhood, when did you first start playing and how did you get your start?

Gleason: Oh, gosh. I probably first started skating when I was two years old, out on the ice in Minnesota. And then, first year mites, then a couple years of squirts, couple years of pee wees, and then bantams, and then my move on to high school and now I'm here.

McKeen's: And you skated for Edina all the way up, right?

Gleason: All the way up through Edina. Yep, never left. Love it.

McKeen's: Lastly, who are some of your favorite players and who would you equate yourself to?

Gleason: Oh, you know, just recently watching the Stanley Cup, guys that I love to watch like [Brian] Rafalski, and [Nicklas] Lidstrom, and [Sergei] Gonchar. These guys are in the Stanley Cup making things look easy, at the pro level. It's pretty cool to watch guys like (pauses), Lidstrom, I think, is unbelievable. I don't know how many Defenseman of the Year awards he's won, but I definitely try to learn from him as much as possible. He's probably the guy I watch the most in the league, and then of course you watch guys from Minnesota who you watched growing up, guys like [Jordan] Leopold and Keith Ballard, and even [Zach] Parise, watching him at North Dakota. I know he's not a defenseman, but God I love to watch him.