USNTDP: Danny Kristo Interview

A talented North Dakota recruit and highly regarded prospect for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Danny Kristo finished the year as the highest rated draft-eligible prospect from the USNTDP and was ranked 35th overall in McKeen's final draft rankings. McKeen's correspondent Max Giese recently had the opportunity to catch up with Kristo and talked about the NHL combine and his development moving forward.

McKeen's: How do you think your game has progressed this year with the USNTDP?

Kristo: I became a more complete player. I matured, became stronger, and learned how to play in big games.

McKeen's: You capped your season off with a strong World U-18 tournament, which followed several other impressive international events for you. Do you pride yourself in being a big game player?

Kristo: I think I play better in the big games. I'm a passionate player that really gets up for the big games. There is nothing better.

McKeen's: You finished second in goal scoring for the USNTDP this year with 22. How have you found that consistency in your game?

Kristo: I found consistency in my game from practice. I like to go hard every practice and play every game the best I can. Of course, in the big ones emotion will rise, but I just love playing the game of hockey.

McKeen's: What are your plans for the coming fall?

Kristo: I still have a year of high school left, so unfortunately I will not be in a North Dakota Fighting Sioux uniform next fall. I was drafted by the Omaha Lancers of the USHL and will likely be suiting up there.

McKeen's: What do you have scheduled for your summer workout regiment?

Kristo: I will just stick to whatever my team has me do. I will probably do a strict summer workout that is tailored for me.

McKeen's: How would you describe your experience at the combine?

Kristo: The experience was once in a lifetime. You can hear about it but it is not the same unless you are there. I was on the 48-hour rule to keep my NCAA eligibility. It was pretty overwhelming having all those interviews and then the battery of testing in two days. But it is something every hockey player would like to experience.

McKeen's: How well do you think you tested there?

Kristo: I felt I tested pretty well. I believe I did my best on the bike tests. I'm not the strongest gut but I am pretty fit. I'm well conditioned and pushed myself hard as I could on the bike.

McKeen's: What was your favorite part about the NHL combine?

Kristo: I thought the whole interview process was fun. It was fun to see how teams thought differently about you. It was also fun seeing all players in your age group. I have gotten to be pretty good friends with some of the Swedish players so it was fun to see them.

McKeen's: What was the most difficult test they put you through?

Kristo: The v02 max test would have to be the hardest. It's the longest test and with them plugging your nose and breathing through a tube it's pretty hard.

McKeen's: McKeen's: Did any of the results give you an idea of what you need to work on more?

Kristo: I knew what I had to work on going into the combine and most of the teams said the same. I need to distribute the puck a little more and just be less simple moving the puck a little quicker.

McKeen's: What teams were your favorite interviews? Any memorable questions or moments?

Kristo: All the interviews were fun, some different than others. The Washington Capitals caught me off guard. They asked me my favorite song and when they didn't recognize it they asked me to sing it to them. I was pretty embarrassed.

McKeen's: What kind of a player do you hope to be in the NHL?

Kristo: I think I could be both a scorer and a solid defensive player depending on how I develop. I'm a pretty good two-way player and I think that's a better part of my game. I think I could be an offensive player, but if I had to be a shutdown guy I think could be.

McKeen's: If you could only choose one; name one teammate and one opponent that you would predict to have the best NHL career.

Kristo: My teammate would be Jordan Schroeder and opponent would be Nikita Filatov.