WHL: QA with Tyson Barrie

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the chance to interview Tyson Barrie of the Kelowna Rockets. Barrie is currently rated No. 40 on McKeen's Spring Rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Barrie talks about his game, the upcoming draft, his minor hockey days, the Kelowna Rockets and a possible chance to play for the Memorial Cup.

Mckeen's: How do you feel about being a top prospect for the upcoming draft?

Barrie: It's exciting for me. It's something I've building towards, and to have my name mentioned as a top prospect is an honor and I just want to finish strong and keep it going in the second half and hopefully move up.

Mckeen's: How hard do you work on both the offensive and defensive part of the game?

Barrie: The offensive side of things always came naturally to me. I played forward when I was younger and made the switch back to defense because I was too small. I've always had the offensive instincts. The defensive part of the game has always been a challenge and I've been working with assistant coach Jeff Finlay on being better in my own end, and striking a balance while contributing offensively.

Mckeen's: Your dad has played in the NHL, how much help and advice did he give you?

Barrie: I think my dad has been the biggest influence on me, as he has coached me pretty much my entire minor hockey career and has pushed me in a positive way to be better. He was always very offensive-minded and taught me many things. I know the lifestyle and it's something that I want to be and that's a pro.

Mckeen's: Your team, the Kelowna Rockets, has made many changes since the WHL trade deadline and seems to have put it all together.

Barrie: Anytime you play a top team, you want to be ready to play, and if you know you have a big challenge ahead of yourself, you are more mentally prepared to meet that challenge.

Mckeen's: Where did you play minor hockey, and where did it all start?

Barrie: I got my start actually, in all places, it was Germany, where my dad played a couple of years and from there I had stops in Southern California and Florida wherever hockey took my dad I was there. Finally, we ended up back at home in Victoria and I played the majority of my minor hockey with Juan de Fuca minor hockey.

Mckeen's: Have the Kelowna Rockets peaked too early?

Barrie: We had a little lapse at times, but I think we are back on track now. It's far too early to predict who's going to come out of the Western Conference and we are just trying to keep it going because it's going to be a real battle.

Mckeen's: Would the crowning glory be a Memorial Cup?

Barrie: I think that's what everybody's working for. I would love to get a chance to play in that tournament. It's good exposure and to go there with a group of guys it's something you don't forget.

Mckeen's: Do you pay much attention to the rankings?

Barrie: I think the most helpful thing for me was watching my ex-teammate Luke Schenn get caught up in it last year. His advice to me was not to worry about it, and staying off the internet and not reading too much into things.