DUBNetwork works to conduct interviews with different 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, trainers etc. We 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 I have interviewed Jordan Papirny, who is currently the starting goaltender for the Swift Current Broncos. The Edmonton, Alberta product is in his fourth season in the Western Hockey League. He spent three and a half years with the Brandon Wheat Kings, before being traded at this year’s trade deadline to the Swift Current Broncos. Jordan was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions for us recently. Enjoy!
First off, I just want to say that the team from DUBNetwork would like to congratulate you on an incredible WHL career. There aren’t many Western Hockey League goaltenders who have accomplished the achievements you have in your 4 years in the league. How does it feel now that you have recently wrapped up your final regular season in the ‘Dub?
It’s been a crazy ride. There have been so many memories that I will have for the rest of my life. It is unbelievable how fast it goes by, one minute you’re driving out to Manitoba for your first WHL Camp, and the next you are starring down the final few months of your WHL career. I met so many great people along the way, and friendships that will last forever, all thanks to the WHL.
You have had a couple months to digest the trade from Brandon and get accustomed to your new city and team in Swift Current. Looking back, how hard was it to be traded from an organization where you had spent your whole career and had the success you had? In addition, what was it like joining an eastern division team in Swift Current who are having success this season and who you were somewhat familiar with?
It was very hard to leave Brandon. I obviously had some pretty close ties in Brandon, spending my whole career there, but I was very excited to join a team like Swift Current who has had lots of success this season, and lots of potential with a great crop of forwards and a solid back end. The guys here have been great, making the transition that much easier.
Where were you when you found out you had been traded just prior to the deadline? Did you have any indication that it may be coming or were you completely caught off guard?
I had just finished up practice and had been in the gym cooling down and stretching. I went into the dry room to check my phone, and had a text from the coach asking to meet him in the office. So right then I kind of figured something had happened, especially being 20 minutes away from the deadline.
Hopefully it is a long and successful 2017 playoff run that takes you and your team into the month of May. However, inevitably when it ends, so will your illustrious junior career. What is next for Jordan Papirny, the goalie and the person?
Well I obviously want to continue playing and move onto pro hockey, but as I have learned over the years, it’s not that easy. I am just worried about playoffs for now, and keeping CIS options open in case that right deal doesn’t come around for me.
I am not sure if you’re aware or not, but you finished second all time in the WHL for regular season victories, one back of tying the leader, Tyson Sexsmith. When you were drafted by the Wheat Kings in the first round as a bantam aged player, did you ever envision being in the record books, both for Brandon and the WHL? What does it mean to you and your family?
I actually just found that out a few days ago. It’s a really cool stat to be proud of, but I also think the teams I have played for over the course of my career have a lot to contribute to those wins, and deserve just as much, if not more, credit for it.
There tends to be a constant and healthy debate each year about WHL VS NCAA, in terms of where certain kids are going or where they should be going. Was college hockey ever on you and your family’s radar as a younger player or was suiting up in the WHL always your main objective?
For me I always wanted to play in the WHL as a young kid. I grew up going to Oil Kings games, and from watching them as a youngster, I knew I wanted to play in the WHL. With the great scholarship opportunity the WHL provides, it was an easy decision.
What are some of the biggest lessons that you have learned and different things that you will take away from your time in the WHL?
Well you learn a lot as an athlete, from the time I was 17, breaking into the league, I don’t think that I established a very good work ethic. Over the course of my career I thought I learned a lot of good work habits and how to work smart, and develop little skills. Specifically as a goalie, you are thrown in the net and told to stop the puck. So being a student of the game, and learning new things everyday and working on them in practice when you do specific drills with the team was a big thing that I learned.
There is obviously a lot of hard work that goes into your preparation for each hockey season. What does your summer training schedule look like? Do you reside in Edmonton in the summer or do you train elsewhere?
I stay in Edmonton for the summer and do all of my training at SPARK sport conditioning on the south side. I workout Monday-Friday, for 2 hours a day. Weekends are usually off, although some weeks we add in yoga and conditioning days on the Saturday.
There are two parts to this question. First, is there a particular goaltender in the NHL whose style of play you try to emulate? Or someone you may compare your style of play to? Secondly, when you attended your previous NHL camps, were there any pros that you were able to work with and learn from?
Well being a guy who’s considered undersized at 6’1, I can appreciate goalies in the NHL who play at that height, or smaller. So I’m big fans of guys like, Jonathan Bernier, Henrik Lundqvist, Jaroslav Halak. When I attended Montreal’s camp I never did get to skate with Carey Price, but I did get to skate with and spend lots of time with Mike Condon. He was an awesome guy, and just being able to be around him and see how a pro like that carries himself was a great experience. It doesn’t surprise me one bit to see the success he’s having in the NHL.
Thank you for answering those questions Jordan, Next I am going to ask you some rapid fire questions, ready?
Most memorable hockey moment?
Winning the WHL Championship last season.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My parents putting in the long hours driving me to practice, and putting the money into it. Especially being a goalie, because it isn’t the cheapest position. My brothers and sister have all had a significant impact on my whole hockey career as well, supporting me through all the ups and downs.
3 things that you believe were key to the Wheat Kings winning the championship last season?
1. Commitment to defense.
2. Not getting too high or low, after a big win or a tough loss.
3. The team chemistry, and how close we were as a group. This was probably the biggest key.
Favorite WHL arena to play in?
Rexall Place, before they moved to Rogers Arena.
Besides your current Bronco teammates, who are some of your closest friends in the WHL?
Aaron Irving, Michael Zipp, Tanner Kaspick, Kale Clague, Nolan Patrick.
Favorite hobby outside of sports?
Video games.
What type of music (or who) do you listen to before a game & what is your go-to pregame meal?
Rap, or Hip-hop.
Most difficult WHL player to stop on a breakaway? Who has the hardest shot?
Over the course of my career Sam Reinhart probably scored about 3-4 breakaway goals on me. Hardest shot would probably be Colton Bobyk.
Thanks for your time Jordan, and good luck in the upcoming WHL playoffs!
