USHS: QA with Alexander Killorn

McKeen's recently had a chance to conduct a Q&A with 2007 NHL Draft prospect Alexander Killorn, who just completed his season for Deerfield in the New England Prep School Association. Killorn, recently named to the Division I West All-New England Team, speaks about his game, the transition from playing in Canada to dorm life in the U.S., his experience at Deerfield, and future college commitments.

McKeen's: How was the transition from living and playing hockey in Canada, to dorm life and prep school hockey?

Killorn: The transition has been pretty smooth. The guys in my dorm are from all over the world and many are on the hockey team. I've really benefited from the prep school experience. I've become much more independent and like living on my own. If I could change one thing, it would be to play more hockey. Coming from Canada, the hockey season is much longer.

McKeen's: Have you met any of the former Deerfield players that have gone on to NHL careers? Marty Reasoner? Craig Janney?

Killorn: Unfortunately, I have not met either player. I've heard a lot of stories about both of them when they played for Deerfield. I hope one day to follow in their footsteps by having a chance to play in the NHL.

McKeen's: What do you think is your best attribute as a player?

Killorn: I think my best attribute as a player is my ability to see the ice. I try to read the play and get a sense to where the puck is going to be. I think this,

along with my skating skills, has allowed me to create scoring opportunities

throughout my career.

McKeen's: What do you think you need to improve upon most?

Killorn: I can improve as a hockey player by getting even bigger and stronger. Since I've come to Deerfield I've gained about 20 pounds and added more upper-body strength. It's really helped my game; this summer I will continue training.

McKeen's: Will you stay at Deerfield for the 2007-08 season?

Killorn: Deerfield has been very good to me. It's helped me to grow as a player and as an individual. But I also realize that in order to reach my goal of playing in the NHL I may need to evaluate other options next year. As of now, I plan to come

back to Deerfield but we'll see what happens.

McKeen's: What is your most memorable moment from this season?

Killorn: My most memorable moment was definitely beating Choate, our archrival. It was a pretty special night since we played at home in front of a large crowd of vocal fans. The victory against Choate was made that much sweeter when I scored an

open-net goal to finish the game.

McKeen's: What schools did you choose between before settling on Harvard?

Killorn: I always wanted to stay out East, so it came down to Harvard, Yale, Boston College, Boston University, and the University of New Hampshire. I also wanted to go to a university that offered a good mix of education as well as a strong hockey program. Most importantly, I wanted to play for a school where I could step in as a freshman and play a key role on the team. Based on this, Harvard seemed like the best fit.