WHL: Raising Kane

McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently had the chance to chat with Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants. The talented young forward is already being considered as a possible top-five pick for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Kane talks about his game, the draft rankings, the WJC, playing for the Vancouver Giants organization and some former Giants' teammates that have helped him along the way.

McKeen's: How do you feel about being a top prospect for this year's NHL draft?

Kane: I think it's very important to be mentally focused game by game and to just concentrate on playing my best. I know I'm ranked up there but I don't really think about it. The true ranking is on draft day.

McKeen's: Do you check the rankings periodically to see where you stand against other players?

Kane: Rankings are what they are, it's what independent associations think of players. It's more important what NHL organizations think of you on draft day.

McKeen's: Being born and raised in Vancouver, what was it like to be drafted into the Vancouver Giants organization?

Kane: Well, it doesn't happen everyday to be drafted by your hometown team. It's fun to play here, and it's a great organization led by owner Ron Toigo, General Manager Scott Bonner and coach Don Hay who make sure that the players' needs are looked after. We also have great fans that get you going and it's a great privilege to play here.

McKeen's: You recently played in the World Junior Championship. Can you tell me about that experience?

Kane: Yes, definitely it's given me a lot of confidence and being able to contribute to Team Canada and to win a gold medal was a chance of a lifetime. Coming back to the Giants with this experience will hopefully give our team a boost in the second half and a long playoff run will help give me more confidence.

McKeen's: Who has been the biggest impact in helping you improve your game?

Kane: I think each off-season the chance I have to work on the basic fundamentals with my dad, and putting on some extra weight (about 20 pounds) and adding muscle to my frame. Also being able to have strong puck protection once the puck is on my stick was important to improve on. Not to mention Giants' practices are intense and a bit of a grind and I'm always learning.

McKeen's: Your very smart with the puck and offensively talented, how hard do your work on your creativity?

Kane: Yes, last year I had a lot of goals and not as many assists so I have tried to focus on my playmaking decisions and working on my shots.

McKeen's: How about your defensive game?

Kane: I think one of the reasons I was given the call to join Team Canada was the fact I improved that part of my game. I learned that early as a 15-year old with the Giants. Last year, I was taught and instructed a lot about defensive zone coverage from coach Don Hay. We have a great checking team and our club thrives on turnovers created by our forecheck.

McKeen's: Your dad was from Nova Scotia, how important is that hockey heritage connection?

Kane: My dad made me aware of the hockey heritage of growing up in Nova Scotia and the challenges he faced playing back then and he passed that on to me. Every time I go out there I want to do him proud, and my family proud.

McKeen's: Would the crowning glory this season be a Memorial Cup Championship after winning the gold medal at the World Junior Championship?

Kane: Of course, I believe we have the team that can get back to the Memorial Cup. Obviously, there are a few other teams out there that will be tough to get by, but our goal every year is set on reaching the Memorial Cup, and we will take it one step at a time.

McKeen's: You've played on some great teams here in Vancouver. Could this current version of the Giants' be extra special in its make-up?

Kane: Each team over the years brought a little different aspect of play for each team. I think you have to go back to guys like Milan Lucic, Brett Festerling, those guys have really set the foundation for this organization. This year's team may not be as physical as some of the other teams of the past, but we make up for that with a lot of depth and speed, not to mention playing a good team game.

McKeen's: With the remaining part of the schedule looking favorable travel wise, how important is it for the Giants to finish first overall in the Western Conference heading into the final stretch?

Kane: Well, I think it's definitely a goal we have in mind, we would like home ice advantage throughout the playoffs, especially the Western Conference, and hopefully we are on our way to achieving that.

McKeen's: You mentioned former players like Milan Lucic and Brett Festerling, how much did you learn from playing with those guys?

Kane: There have been a lot of great players that have come up through the Giants' system. A guy like Lucic has always set a great work ethic as a power forward. Brett Festerling taught me about the importance of leadership skills that helped shaped my overall team game.