Each week DUBNetwork will be conducting interviews with people who are directly involved (or have been involved) in the Western Hockey League in some capacity. This includes players, prospects, alumni, team personnel and staff, radio personnel, etc. We will then proceed to post the transcript of the interview for our fans to read and enjoy in an attempt to get to know these people a little better.
This week we interviewed Medicine Hat Tigers defenseman, David Quenneville. David is an 18-year-old from Edmonton, Alberta and is currently in his third season in the WHL. He was taken in the 7th round of the 2016 NHL entry draft by the New York Islanders. He was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions for us recently. Enjoy!
David, first off I just want to say congratulations on being selected by the Islanders this past June. Did you have any inclination or idea that it may be New York selecting you, or was it completely unexpected?
Totally unexpected. Hadn’t talk to them so it was very unexpected.
Tell me a little bit about draft day. You were a later round pick, so were you in attendance? If not, how and where did you find out you were selected by the Islanders?
I was at home, I watched all the night before and all morning to wait for my name to get called. It was a long time coming but finally at 200 I heard it. I was on the couch with my brothers just hanging when my agent called and broke the news.
You have two older brothers, John & Pete, who played in the WHL, were both drafted to the NHL and are both now playing professional hockey. Do you use that as motivation? Is there any pressure because of that?
There is no pressure. For me it’s just motivation to be better than them. I’ve always prided myself on working to be better than my two brothers and that competition is something I enjoy.
Because John and Pete are both forwards, and you are a defenseman, how much of an impact did your older brothers have on your development growing up? I assume you had your fair share of battles at the outdoor rink/playing street hockey against them?
It was huge. We had an outdoor rink growing up and it seemed to be that it was always 2 vs 1 in that backyard, defending against them. I think that also has shaped my compete level in my game today.
You had the rare opportunity of being able to play against your two brothers in the Western Hockey League. You also seemed to make it a priority to watch their games any time you were able to. Can you speak to what it was like being able to go head to head with them, as well as see firsthand some of the success they had once your season had come to an end?
It was so special. Being able to play against them was a dream come true. I’m my two brother’s biggest fans and to be able to put it all together against them, no different than we did 10 years ago on our outdoor rink. It was incredible.
The Tigers have come out of the gate strong, compiling an impressive 12-5-1 record to start the year. What are some of the things that you attribute to the hot start and what are some of the main reasons that you feel this team is ready to contend?
We have a lot of guys back from last year which is huge, but for me it’s the everyday stuff. We have 3-4 lines of scoring depth every night which is important for every level. We practice very fast and I think that’s something that gives us a lot of confidence going into every game. Knowing we’ve put the work in and we’re ready.
You are listed at 5’8 and 187 pounds. Height was obviously not something that held you back while growing up, considering you were a top 10 pick in the bantam draft. Do you feel as though the game has changed enough over the last decade to where being a big/tall defenseman is not perceived as a necessity any longer?
Absolutely. I think that now if you can play, whether you are 5’8 or 6’8, it doesn’t matter. If you can play, you can play and that’s the most important thing now a days.
Is there a particular player in the NHL whose style of play you try and emulate? Or someone you may compare your style of play to?
I think there are two guys who I tried to emulate. Drew Doughty and Jared Spurgeon. Spurgeon because we are both smaller stature guys and play a similar game but also Drew Doughty because he competed and plays a 200 foot game while playing against the NHL’s top players.
What does your summer training schedule look like? Do you reside in Edmonton in the summer or do you train elsewhere?
I train in Edmonton with my brothers, we work out 5 times week intertwined with power skating, stick handling drills and baseball. Summers are so special because it’s a special time to be able to reunite with my two brothers and do things we love to do.
During your recent NHL camp with New York, was there anyone that you played with or against who you had to sort of do a double take and think “wow, I’m actually playing in the same game as this guy”?
I tried not to get caught up in that, but for me it was Andrew Ladd. I’ve always been a Blackhawks fan and it was pretty cool to be able to practice and see those guys in their everyday routines.
Can you tell me what it is like to play in a hockey-crazed city like Medicine Hat, one that has so much history surrounding the Tigers?
It’s a lot of fun. The fans are awesome. We have a new rink here with the Canalta and it’s been special to play at home. We are treated like pro’s here in Medicine Hat.
Thank you for answering those questions David. Next I am going to ask you some rapid fire questions, ready?
Besides your home barn in Medicine Hat, what is your favorite WHL arena to play in and why?
I’ve always really enjoyed playing at home in Edmonton in my hometown. It’s always special playing in front of family and friends and it’s even more exciting that it’s in the new Rogers Arena.
Besides your Tiger’s teammates, who are some of your closest friends in the WHL?
Colby Sissons in Swift, Nolan Volcan in Seattle, Jake Bean in Calgary, Josh Mahura in Red Deer and both Nolan Patrick and Kale Clague are some of my closer friends in the league.
Favorite hockey memory
Winning U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament a year ago. Winning internationally was so special for me and the group we had was so special. My favourite memory for sure.
Favorite hobby outside of hockey?
Baseball.
What type of music (or who) do you listen to before a game & what is your go-to pregame meal?
I kind of listen to everything. For pregame I typically eat chicken or salmon with rice or pasta. I like to switch it up all the time.
Toughest two players to defend against in the WHL last year?
Austin Wagner and Nolan Patrick
In your WHL career thus far, name one guy whose shot you weren’t necessarily pleased about getting your body in front of?
I’d say for sure Connor Hobbs. We played together briefly my 16 yr old season so I know how hard he shoots it. Blocking that puck isn’t fun. (Not that I block very many shots anyways).
Favorite place to eat on the road?
Earls.
Toughest Tiger to defend against in practice?
Mason Shaw, he’s a terrific player but also because I can hardly hold a straight face without laughing battling against him.
Thanks for your time David and good luck to you and the Medicine Hat Tigers the rest of the season!
