2010 Ivan Hlinka Tournament: Q and A with Team Canada’s Dougie Hamilton
To say Dougie Hamilton has good genetics may just be an understatement, as his father (Doug) won a bronze medal for Canada in rowing at the 1984 Olympics and a gold medal at the 1985 World Championships. Meanwhile, his mother (Lynn) played on Canada’s fourth-place women’s basketball team at the ‘84 Games, and won a World Championship bronze in ‘86. So yeah, he is made up of a super combo of DNA that makes winning championships second nature, which is something team Canada is hoping will translate into gold at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. This season, the offensive rearguard put up 16 points (3G,13A) in 64 games for the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs as a 16-year-old. Hamilton also represented team Ontario’s silver medal-winning entry at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey Championships in Timmins, Ont. At 6-foot-4, 187-pounds, he is a gifted combination of size and skill, as he possesses incredible skating ability, smooth puck handling skills, makes good, clean, hard, crisp first passes out of the zone, has a keen sense when to jump up into the rush, and can quarterback the power play. He is also very responsible defensively, and uses his long reach and large frame to take away scoring chances from opposing players. You really can’t say enough about the 17-year-olds ability, and NHL scouts are taking notice for the upcoming 2011 Entry Draft. His older brother (Freddie) is a teammate on the Dogs, and was a fifth round selection (129th overall) of the San Jose Sharks in the 2010 NHL Draft. I had a chance to catch up with the super-skilled Dougie Hamilton, for a quick Q and A.
Who has been your biggest help in developing into the player you are today?
Dougie: My family. My parents were both Olympians, and have helped both my brother and I become the best possible players and people that we can be. Also, my brother is one year older and has taught me a lot. I have also been fortunate enough to have had many great coaches over the years.
You are described as an all-around offensive, and very effective defenseman with good size. What do you feel are your best attributes as a player?
Dougie: My ability to see the ice, and make passes. Also, I think I’m a good skater for my size, and I use my size and speed to my advantage, whether it be offensively or defensively.
Is there an NHLer you mold your game after?
Dougie: I just try to play my own game. I love watching Jay Bouwmeester and Scott Neidermayer. I think you can learn a lot from both of those players, and I try to do that.
What was your ‘welcome moment’ to the OHL?
Dougie: Nothing significant, the whole first month of OHL hockey was a welcome moment. Starting off with training camp and moving into exhibition games. It was a tough adjustment playing with faster and stronger players, and it was exciting. Playing in front of so many fans was also pretty cool.
You won a silver medal while representing Team Ontario at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where does that rank on your career highlights thus far?
Dougie: Under-17’s was a lot of fun, and definitely one of my career highlights thus far. We had a great bunch of guys on the team. We didn’t end up with the result that we wanted, but it was a great experience none the less.
Now you are representing Canada at the Ivan Hlinka. How do you like the makeup of the club, and who do you deem as your toughest competition?
Dougie: I think our team is great. We have lots of talented players who can all play different roles, and I think thats important. I think its important for our team to buy into the system and work hard. Theres lots of good teams here, but if we play our best theres no doubt we can win.
Who is your roommate for the tourney, and how is he to stay with?
Dougie: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Hes a great guy and a great player.
The IceDogs had a decent year in 2009-10, before getting bounced from the playoffs by the Ottawa 67’s. How was your first taste of OHL playoff action, and how do you like your guys chances heading into the 2010-11 season?
Dougie: The playoffs were a lot of fun. This year I think our team will be better. Our younger guys are getting older and more experienced, and our older guys are great leaders. We have a first round goalie in Mark Visentin and many other skilled players. It should be a fun, exciting year.
You’ve put up a few goals in your career, in minor hockey with St. Catharines, and a couple beauties with the IceDogs last season where you snuck in off the point. Is there a goal that stands out as the biggest of your career so far?
Dougie: Probably my first goal in the OHL. It wasnt big for the team but it was my first goal after something like 29 games to start the season, so that was nice.
With 2011 being you NHL Draft year, do you feel any added pressure to perform?
Dougie: No, i just go out there and play and have fun. obviously theres people watching and u hear stuff but i think if i just go play and focus on things that will make me better ill be okay.
Who, in your opinion, was the toughest player to stop one-on-one last season in the OHL?
Dougie: Theres lots of great players, probably my brother in practice. I get confused at times whether I should try and hit him or just poke check (ha/ha).
What do you like to do in your downtime from hockey
Dougie: Just hang out with friends.
At the NHL combine, it is rumoured they asked the question, “if you could come back as an animal, which one would it be?” What would be your answer if that one was thrown your way?
Dougie: Those questions are tough, I’d have to put some thought into it. Probably a dog. You get to be around a family all the time, and dogs get treated pretty well.
As the rookie last year, did you have to endure any pranks, and if so what was the funniest/worst one?
Dougie: There was lots, I dont really want to put them on the internet though (haha).
Favourite movie?
Dougie: The Guardian
