Q and A with Sarnia Sting Talented Forward Alex Galchenyuk
When the Sarnia Sting picked Alex Galchenyuk first overall in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, the 17-year-old from Milwaukee became just the fourth American to go No. 1 in the OHL draft, joining Pat Peake (1990), Patrick O’Sullivan (2001) and Rob Schremp (2002). He absolutely dominated the U.S. Tier 1 Midget League in 2009-10, racking up 44 goals and 87 points in just 38 games, finishing 33 points ahead of the scoring race runner-up. This season, Galchenyuk played with the poise of an Ontario Hockey League vet, scoring 31 goals and 52 assists in 68 games, en route to being named to the First All-Rookie Team. His 83 total points were second only to teammate Nail Yakupov among first year players in the entire OHL, and good enough for third overall on the Sting. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward has already garnered high praise from many hockey observers, including Hall of Famer Igor Larionov, who compared the youngster to Marian Hossa. The big centre is a great skater, who is strong on the puck, has a hard, very accurate shot, isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice, is responsible in his own end, and has elite vision. He is simply an exceptional talent, who just makes things look easy at times on the ice. Galchenyuk will be counted on to be a big time contributor next season as well, as the swarming offense in Sarnia has the potential to be one of, if not the best, in the league in 2011-12. I had the opportunity to catch up with the extremely gifted youngster, who is expected to be a first round pick come next years NHL Entry Draft, for a quick Q and A.
Your father (Alexandr Galchenyuk) was a tremendous hockey player back in the day, how has that benefited in developing your game thus far?
Alex: It has obviously been huge in my development, I owe everything I have to him as he has always been there to give me advice and guide me in hockey and in life.
You are a big strong kid, and have been compared to a young Marian Hossa with the intangibles you bring to the ice, what do you see being your best attributes as a player?
Alex: I think my best attributes are my shot, the way I see the ice, and that I’m strong on skates.
Is there an NHLer you style your game after?
Alex: No not really, I don’t try to copy anybody, I just try to be myself.
What is the highlight of your career so far?
Alex: Being drafted first overall into the OHL last year was a huge honor, and definitely the highlight of my career thus far.
You put up a ton of goals with Sarnia this year, did you have one that stood out as your biggest?
Alex: Probably my 1st OHL goal and my short handed goal against the London Knights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnw7YHAzCl8
What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the OHL?
Alex: Definitely scoring my first goal in the league, in my first career game, against the Windsor Spitfires.
The Sting failed to make the playoffs in 2010-11, but you guys have such a young talented group there. How do you like the make-up of your Sarnia club, and who would you say is the most underrated player on the team?
Alex: I like it a lot, I really like all the players on the team and the organization has been great. I think Craig Hottot, because he does all the little things that keep our team going. The hits he dishes out, the fights, and the unbelievable shot blocks, plus he scores big goals.
In your opinion, who is the best player you have ever played with and against?
Alex: Nail Yakupov, he’s a great player to play with. There is a lot of great players I have played against, and I can’t really say who’s the best. But, guys like Ryan Ellis, Zack Kassian, Ryan Murphy, Peter Holland and Taylor Beck were a few I enjoyed playing against.
With 2012 being your NHL draft year do you feel any pressure to perform next season?
Alex: Obviously there is pressure on me, but it reminds me of my OHL draft year. I just need to perform and show my best out there, and work hard the entire season.
Favourite NHL team?
Alex: Every year I go to Miami, so I like the Florida Panthers, and I really like the Chicago Blackhawks because I played my minor year there. The Hawks have great fans and tradition.
What does your summer look like for training and hockey is concerned?
Alex: I’m just going to focus on getting stronger and faster.
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey?
Alex: I like to just relax and hangout with friends, play some Xbox or watch a good movie.
What would you buy first after signing your first pro contract?
Alex: It really depends how much I get, but probably just buy something nice for my family.
Who was your roommate on the road this season, and how was he to stay with?
Alex: I stay with Yaki (Nail Yakupov) and it was really fun, we had a great time!
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Alex: (Ha/ha) good question, ah probably “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEJWw3Ff8xg
