Tuesday, November 13th, 2018. The Seattle Thunderbirds played host to the visiting Spokane Chiefs, it was the first game back from the 2018 U17 Hockey Challenge for Seattle’s rookie forward, Payton Mount. Just three minutes into the game, Mount won a puck battle after an offensive zone faceoff and made a good move to his back hand, beating the Spokane net-minder over his right shoulder to give Seattle the lead. It was Mount’s first goal as a member of the Seattle Thunderbirds, and his first in the Western Hockey League.
Overall, it was a successful year for the Victoria, British Columbia native.
“I think my season went really well, definitely a lot of learning curves throughout the season and was trying to soak in everything the veterans try and show you. Just try and watch their game and try to add some things to my game. It was a lot of the little things that they do and try to incorporate that into my game,” Mount said.
Mount really started to produce regularly as the season wore on, and he seemed to break through during the playoffs against the Vancouver Giants. Despite the loss, Mount showed that he was someone who could be relied upon in big game situations. It was the biggest moment of his young WHL career to date.
“For me, the playoff game was big. I had two goals in that game, it was a big night for me. There’s a great atmosphere in Seattle, the fans are always amazing. That was a really cool experience for me.”
But like all young hockey players in the Western Hockey League, the offseason means continuing to work hard to get bigger, stronger, faster with on and off ice training. Mount, like many others, did just this over the summer, but was also able to enjoy his down time as well.
“I was on the ice three or four times a week. I was also in the gym working out at least five times a week, so I kept myself busy, but I also made a point of having down-time to let my body rest. I live by a lake in Victoria, the weather was really nice this summer, so I just hung out with friends and family. Also, did some camping this summer with my family,” Mount relayed.
Mount is a 2002-born player, meaning he is entering his first year of NHL draft eligibility. It can be a lot of pressure for a young player facing scrutiny and being compared to not just other players his age in the WHL, but around the world.
“I don’t think you want to have that mindset. I think that you just want to play your game, do whatever the team needs you to, to win games. Of course, team success will help your individual success. It’s something you have in the back of your head, but you don’t want to focus on it too much. I just kind of in general want to keep improving and have a better season than last year and just help the team as much as I can,” Mount stated.
You can see Mount and the rest of the Seattle Thunderbirds in action Saturday against the Tri-City Americans at 3:00 PM in Everett at the Angel of the Winds Arena.
