Off-Season Q&A with Branden Troock

T-Birds right wing Branden Troock just finished his first full season with the T- Birds. Last season Troock played in 58 games scoring 14 goals and dishing out 12 assists for a total of 26 points. He also just recently returned from the World U-18 Championship in the Czech Republic and the 2012 NHL Draft Combine in Toronto. Troock took a few minutes to answer some questions about these experiences and the coming season.

Seattle Thunderbirds: First off, thanks for taking some time to chat. You have been pretty busy lately. You just got back from the NHL Combine.  What was the overall combine experience like?

Brandon Troock: It was a great experience and I really enjoyed myself. There were a lot of interviews and I was pretty busy most of the time. It was interesting because I have never done anything like that before.

ST: What was your daily schedule like at the combine?

BT: The first day I got into Toronto there was nothing scheduled for me so some of the boys and I went downtown and took in a Blue Jays game. The rest of the week I was very busy with interviews and TSN shots.  My testing was scheduled on the Friday.

ST: How did you do on all the fitness testing that is involved at the combine? Was there any one fitness test that you excelled at or that might have been more difficult than you originally thought?

BT: I thought I tested very well. A few tests were harder than others but overall I was happy.  We don’t get our results of the testing unless you place in the top 10. I tied for 1st in the pull strength test and the most difficult was the bikes but I thought I did very well on those.

ST: How many NHL teams did you have interviews with? Did you get any indication about which teams might be interested in drafting you?

BT: I had a total of 16 interviews there and a couple outside on the combine. Yes, some teams showed more interest then others but I’ll have to wait and see what happens on draft day.

ST: Are you going to the NHL Draft in Pittsburgh?

BT: I’m not sure yet. I think it would be a great experience to see the draft but also would be nice to celebrate at home with family and friends and have a barbeque if I do get drafted.

ST: You also just recently competed for Team Canada in the Under 18 World Championships where you won a bronze medal. How was that experience

BT: It was unreal. I had an experience of a lifetime. It was my first time wearing the Canada jersey and it was something I will never forget. It was such an honour playing for my country. The style of hockey was a lot different. It was nice coming home with a medal.

ST: How was the Czech Republic, did you have the opportunity to sight see at all? Or were you on a pretty tight hockey schedule?

BT: We had a little bit of time to do sight seeing but mostly it was a tight hockey schedule and team bonding.

ST: What do you have planned for the rest of the summer after the NHL Draft? Will your hockey schedule slow down a bit? Will you be training?  Are you going on any vacations?

BT: As of right now I have nothing planned. I’ll wait and see if I get drafted and if that team has a summer camp. I have been training everyday since coming home from Seattle. The only time I have taken off was to go to Europe and Toronto. I start my power skating next week. As far as a vacation I will be spending some time at the lake on the weekends.

ST: What are your personal and team goals for the coming season?

BT: The number one goal is making playoffs. I believe that we have the team to have a very strong year. I am very excited to get back to Seattle and get the season started.

ST: You, Connor Honey and the newest T-Bird, Riley Sheen, all grew up playing minor hockey in Edmonton. Do you remember any games against or with these guys?

BT: I played summer hockey with Honey and we were line mates and I also remember playing versus both of those guys in winter. I don’t really remember any specific games though.

ST: What do you feel are the strengths of the team as we head toward the 2012-13 season?

BT: I think that the biggest team identity we will have this year is our compete level. Also being able to play a physical style which can be hard to play against.

ST: Now for something a bit different. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following five things?

Starbucks – BT: Tim Hortons is better.

Milkshakes – BT: Chocolate is amazing

Gold – BT: Money $$$

Ocean – BT: Going to the beach and Fishing

Music – BT: Country

ST: Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing you at Training Camp.

BT: Thank you very much and see you in a few months.

Seattle Thunderbirds Public & Media Relations Intern Nicole Peterson conducted the Q&A with Branden Troock. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off-season with returning T-Birds players.