WHL Interview: Prince Albert Raiders Mark McNeill

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman had the opportunity to interview 2011 draft eligible center Mark McNeill of the Prince Albert Raiders.

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

McNeill: I was born in Langley, B.C., and up until 10 years old I played in the Langley minor hockey system. My family then moved to Edmonton where I played the remainder of my minor hockey in the south-side of Edmonton.

McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment that you had to make coming from minor hockey to major junior with the Raiders?

McNeill: In my first year it was definitely the speed of the game, and the players were a lot stronger than in minor hockey. This past summer to get ready for this coming season, I took the lessons I learned from the past season and worked hard on and off the ice.

McKeen's: What did you feel you needed to work on the most to be a complete player in this being your draft year?

McNeill: Well I'm a big bodied guy, so in two parts, one, I thought it would be important to get stronger in the upper body. Secondly, I wanted to get my first to steps a little more explosive as far as my foot-speed and quickness were concerned. I've certainly seen success early on as the extra work has payed off.

McKeen's: You have been going to the net looking to battle for the puck and any rebounds , that along with your face-offs I've noticed have improved over last season?

McNeill: Last year I played the majority of the time at right wing, this year I have played center most of the time in the games early on. The improvement has come as I have put the extra time in practice doing the right things in drills, like going to the net and taking face-off drills.

McKeen's: This being your draft year, does it bother you that many scouts will have you under the microscope?

McNeill: You really don't think about the scouts that much in the stands. I have to show my team-mates, my coach, and the fans of the Prince Albert Raiders that I can help in a big way to contribute to the overall success of the team.

McKeen's: What is the strongest part of your game, and what are the things you want to work on?

McNeill: The strongest part of my game is my hockey smarts or hockey sense, I like to play with my head up and make the right play. I'm constantly working on all facets of my game, if you want to play in the NHL you must put the extra effort in to become a complete player.

McKeen's: How's your experience been so far playing for the Raiders, a team that has produced many NHL players and is steeped in tradition?

McNeill: It's a small town with fans that love you to death and really come out and support the team. The team has a great heritage , turning out players' like Mike Modano, and Dean McAmmond. It's been a real treat to play here.

McKeen's: Has there been any set goals that you have personally for the season and the team?

McNeill: For myself, I just have to improve on my skills and defense to help the team win. As for the team, I think we have a good mix of veterans and young guys that are keen on winning and making the play-offs.

McKeen's: Offense is important, how important and how much emphasis do you put on defense to make the next step to pro hockey?

McNeill: You have to be able to play both ends of the ice, whether it's junior hockey or professional. If your on the top line or the 4th line it's important for all players' on the team to back-check and take the opposing number and shut the opposition's top line down or limit their scoring chances.

McKeen's: Does the team work hard in practice on special teams like the power-play and the penalty kill?

McNeill: Yes, absolutely, we have been putting a lot of extra time in on both the power-play and the penalty kill. That includes guys getting in the lanes and blocking shots. Puck movement, and getting more shots on goal during the power-play and having a good cycle down low along the boards, strong on the puck. On the penalty kill,it's about guys forcing the play and being smart with the puck when the win a battle for it.

McKeen's: With being a pretty big guy, you can create a lot of space for your line-mates out there. Do you consider yourself a scorer or a play-making center?

McNeill: I look at myself as an all round center, or a two way center and I like to create space out there by banging bodies and taking the puck to the net.

McKeen's: Who has had the greatest impact or influence on your hockey career so far?

McNeill: I would have to say my dad, he is the one that introduced and got me involved in the game. He has been my inspiration that has got me this far.

McKeen's: In the East Division of the WHL do you envision a tough battle for play-off spots, especially in the second half with the schedule the way it is?

McNeill: Yes, we have a very tough division, the second half will be tough, but if we stay focused and not take anything for granted, we can be successful.

McKeen's: What do you like to do away from the game?

McNeill: I like to kick back and relax, besides going to the gym, I like to go fishing.