Jake Doty Off-Season Q&A
T-Birds right wing Jake Doty, a native of Billings, Montana, is preparing to start his second season with the team. Last season Doty played in 70 games and tallied 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points with 176 penalty minutes. Jake took the time away from his summer schedule to sit down with the Thunderbirds and answer a few questions.
ST: You were in Kent recently for the Turning Point Development Camp at Kent Valley Ice Centre that was put on by your agent. The camp was attended by several pro players. What did you take away from this camp?
JD: Some things I learned at camp were a few skating tips and some things I can work on for my skating that the pro’s helped me out with. There were a few speaking seminars that some ex NHL players and current NHL scouts did. They just gave me some tips and things to do to better my career.
ST: What were some of the things you worked on at the Turning Point camp?
JD: I think the main focus of the week was my skating. And I also worked on all of my skills like shooting, passing, and stick handling.
ST: Do you remember the details of your first WHL goal?
JD: Yes I do. The game was in Brandon and in the first period I was in front of the net when a shot came from the point. It went by me and hit the goalie, then popped into the air, I was standing in between the hash marks in front of the net, and I batted the puck out of the air almost like a baseball into the net. The goal went under review for a couple minutes, which felt like hours. But it counted, not your typical goal but hey, it worked.
ST: What do you see your role being as you head into your second season with the team?
JD: I see myself as an energy guy, making the big hits, fights and being solid defensively. I’d like to chip in more offensively as well. I’d like to be more of an all-around player this season. One that can play in all situations.
ST: What areas of your game are you working on this off-season?
JD: I actually moved to Minnesota for the summer to train because Montana doesn’t have any available ice for most of the summer. But, definitely my skating is the biggest area that I am working on. And then just trying to sharpen my other skills that go along with the game.
ST: What does your off-season workout regime consist of? What are you doing on a weekly basis?
JD: I am working out with the trainers Monday to Friday in the mornings, and skating about three times a week.
ST: What have you been doing non hockey wise this summer?
JD: I have just been hanging out, going to the beach of the lake, shooting a basketball around, and have just started playing tennis once in awhile.
ST: What are your personal and team goals for this coming season?
JD: My personal goals are to be a tough, physical player. But also, being offensive and able to play in any situation. As for the team I’d like to have a winning record, make the playoffs and see what happens after that.
ST: You will have an exciting start of the season as you will be attending the Florida Panthers training camp. You have to be looking forward to this. What are your expectations for yourself on attending their training camp?
JD: I’d like to make an impression every time on the ice. Make the coaches and the rest of the staff notice me as a player.
ST: When are you leaving for Florida? Do you know how long you will be there?
JD: I will be leaving the first of September and staying somewhere between a week and two weeks. The Panthers play in a rookie tournament right there in Florida, so that should be fun.
ST: Thanks for your time, good luck in Florida and we look forward to seeing you at T-Birds training camp.
JD: Yeah, thanks a lot. See you soon!
Editor’s Note: We will be running a series of Q&A’s with T-Birds players leading up to training camp.
