Q&A with Turner Ottenbreit
Turner Ottenbreit played in 71 games last season and had seven goals with 25 assists for 32 points. He played in all 20 games of the WHL Playoffs as the T-Birds secured their first WHL Championship and had three goals and six assists for nine points. Turner sat down with us to talk about the road to the WHL Championship and how he’s preparing for next season
Seattle Thunderbirds: Thanks for joining us Turner! How has your summer been?
Turner Ottenbreit: It’s been great! Enjoy being home.
ST: What was your first thought when Alexander True scored in overtime in Game 6 against Regina to win the WHL Championship?
TO: I was sitting in the dressing room when it happened! Toth came running in jumping up and down that we won! I never knew who scored until I got back on the ice.
ST: Looking back on the Championship what’s the first thing that sticks out in your mind?
TO: Proud of what our team accomplished over the season.
ST: How did it feel to win the Championship in Regina in front of family and friends?
TO: Awesome! There’s no feeling like winning that Championship in front of family and friends.
ST: It takes a special group to win a WHL Championship. Looking back now, how special a group of guys was it, that you will be connected with for the rest of your life, that won the title?
TO: We are a really close group and all good friends. It is definitely something I’ll cherish forever.
ST: You wore the “C” several times last season and had an “A” for most of the season. What does it meant to you to be a team leader?
TO: Anytime you wear a letter it’s an honor.
ST: You were at the Anaheim Ducks Development Camp several weeks ago. How did that go? Did you see Steve Konowalchuk at the camp and talk to him at all about joining the Ducks as an assistant coach?
TO: Camp went well. Saw Steve and talked about the how summer was going.
ST: Matt O’Dette is the new T-Birds head coach. Matt has had a big impact on your development as a defenseman. How are you feeling about Matt now being the head coach?
TO: Glad Matt is getting an opportunity. He deserves it.
ST: How are you training during the offseason to prepare for training camp and the regular season?
TO: I’m working out every day at the gym, skating in Regina and Ochapowace.
ST: Nicknames are a thing in hockey, most likely in all sports. Would you rather be called Otto or Otter?
OT: Both are good for me.
ST: What would you tell fans to get them ready for the 2017-18 season?
OT: Our fans are the best in the league and I know they will be excited for the new season and seeing how we have improved over the summer.
ST: Do you have any other plans for this summer?
OT: Spend time at our cabin this summer and preparing for the next season. Working with Bear at Ochapowace hockey school.
ST: Alright that’s all the time we have, thank you for joining us Turner!
OT: Thanks!
Seattle Thunderbirds Media & Public Relations Inter Malea Baumgartner conducted the Q & A questions for Turner Ottenbreit. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off season with returning T-Birds players.
