Prospect Q&A: Jaden Schwartz

The third BlueNoteZone Prospect Q&A has been a long time in the making. Jaden Schwartz, the 14th overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, found some time around his busy schedule at Colorado College to answer questions on growing up playing hockey Canada, the progression of his career and even every day life outside the rink.

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Q. Most St. Louis Blues fans live in America and don’t have a great grasp on what hockey is like in Canada. What is the hockey culture like as a child growing up in Canada? Can you describe what Hockey Day in Canada is like?

Hockey is very big for a child growing up in Canada. Where I was from almost every single one of my friends played hockey, we all watched hockey. NHL, olympics, world juniors, we all watched it. My dad built an out door rink every year, more often than not I was either on the rink in the back yard, or practising or playing games with the team I was on.

Q. On your journey to date through youth hockey and in to the College level, what was the best piece of advice your were given and who did it come from?

My dad gave me lots of advice, my coaches through all the years gave me really good advice, and I learned alot at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame.

Q. You played Midget AAA at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. A program that has famous alumni like Vinny Lecavailer and Brad Richards as well as former Blues Rod Brind’Amor and Curtis Joseph. Can you give a glimpse in to what a hockey player’s life is like at that stage? Is it all hockey or is there time to be a “kid” as well?

Notre Dame was a very big part of me, my life today, and my success over the years. I give all the credit in the world to Notre Dame and the people there, I was very lucky to be there as long as I was. Hockey is really big there, it improved me tremendously, but there is more to it than hockey. I played other sports, you build relationships that will last a lifetime and you really mature and learn to become a man in Notre Dame.

Q. Can you discuss the decision making process for choosing to play in the US rather than in the Canadian Junior system? What made the USHL and Colorado College more appealing?

Making that decision is tough for any kid. You just have to make a choice and stay with it and don’t look back. My family took a visit to Colorado College when I was younger. I liked everything about it, I felt like I would fit it in there, I liked the coaching staff and the surrounding in Colorado Springs, I like the intensity of every game in college hockey, playing against older guys helps me, time to workout matures me. It was a tough choice but I feel like it has been the right one.

Q. Who helped you further your abilities the most at Tri-City and what did that person do to aid you?

My coach in Tri-City really made me better. He helped my game in all areas, especially defensively, penalty killing, and showing up big and being ready every game. I had great teammates in Tri-City as well that helped.

Q. Your brother Rylan plays with you at Colorado College, on the same line at times no less. What kind of an impact has he made on you at this stage of your life and hockey career?

My brother Rylan has helped me and he has made a big impact on my life. When we were young we always pushed each other and made each other better, good healthy competition. He always gives me tips and advice, and over the last three or four years he really showed me how important working hard in the off season is. We still push each other and make eachother better in the summers in Wilcox as well.

Q. What has surprised you the most about college?

How fast and intense each and every game is.

Q. What area of your game has improved the most in your short time at Colorado College?

My defensive game has gotten better. Offensive game and finding the open areas and getting to the dirty areas has gotten better as well. My shot, skill, and hockey sense has improved, too.

Q. A few scouting reports prior to the draft made mention of your skating ability and the need to improve for future success due to your height relative to other players. Is mobility an area you feel a need to work on or are those scouting reports somewhat presumptuous?

My speed and quickness can always get better, there’s always room for improvement. Im working on it and college hockey is definetly helping.

Q. I saw a game this season against Minnesota where you scored multiple goals in the “dirty” areas around the net. Every goal scorer knows they need to go there. Do you think too much is made of the size of the player fighting in those areas? You didn’t seem to have any qualms.

There are way to many smaller players in the NHL that have huge impacts and are the best players in the league in many areas to think that size is everything. Being in the right position and having a good stick is more important.

Q. What about the St. Louis Blues and the front office, coaches and/or players you’ve met (at the draft or otherwise) has impressed you the most?

Everybody that I have met who is part of the St Louis Blues organization has impressed me. The proffesionalism, respect, and the way they carry themselves is really great to see as a young prospect.

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Too often hockey players (and athletes in general) are asked questions about the game and their team, but rarely about who they are. I hoped to bring a little of “Jaden the college kid” to light opposed to just “Jaden the hockey player”.

Q. Video Gamer? If so, what are you playing?

I play video games, mostly NHL 11 and Call of Duty right now.

Q. What’s on your iPod?

All different kinds of music are on my iPod.

Q. Who was your favorite hockey playing growing up?

Joe Sakic.

Q. Are you a chicken and pasta guy for the pregame meal? If not, what’s your usual?

Chicken, pasta, salmon, and sometimes subway are my pre game meals.

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I also asked Jaden three questions about his impressions and feelings regarding his experiences at the World Junior Championships. Including a soon to be teammate and draft day counterpart.

Q. You took on Russia in the opening game of the tournament, pitting you against fellow Blues draft pick Vladimir Tarasenko. As a fellow hockey player, what did he do that stood out in that game and also in the Gold Medal match? Anything in particular that you picked up on that fans may not?

Q. In the game against the Czech Republic you injured your ankle. Can you take our readers through what happened, your thought process following the incident and your rehabilitation?

Q. How do you feel about the overall experience of the WJC. If Team Canada asks for your to return, will you go?

Tarasenko is a great player with tremendous skill. He is very quick, good with the puck and he has a good work ethic.

I didn’t think my ankle was broken, it was very painful but I continued playing on it so I thought it was maybe a sprain. It was very frustrating though, but the rehab was good and it went very well.

The WJC was one of the best experiences of my life, I watched it every year growing up as a kid and it was a dream come true to play for Canada in such a prestigious tournament. It was a tremendous honour, it’s hard to describe how amazing it really was. I think about it every day.

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A big thank you goes out to Dave Moross at Colorado College for being my liason to Jaden and taking the time to help make this interview happen. I hope you all enjoy reading what Jaden had to say. There will be more Q&As in the future. I’ll keep you posted on who and when.

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As always, you are invited to follow @618_STLBlues and @BlueNoteZone on Twitter and on the BlueNoteZone Facebook Fan Page for in game updates and Blues news.