Q&A with Turner Ottenbreit
This past season was Turner Ottenbreit’s rookie season with the T-Birds after being acquired from the Saskatoon Blades very early in the season. Turner registered three goals and 10 assists for 13 points with 37 penalty minutes. Turner took part in the Washington Capitals Development Camp this off-season. Turner has taken some time this off-season to answer a few questions.
Seattle Thunderbirds: Thanks for taking some time out of your day to answer a few questions Turner. How has your off-season been so far?
Turner Ottenbreit: My off-season so far has been great. Between graduating and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
ST: How was the Washington Capitals Development Camp?
TO: It was an awesome experience. I learned a lot and had a good time.
ST: The Capitals mentioned in a social media post stated you were the youngest guy at the camp, what was that like for you? Did it give you any extra drive to work harder during the camp?
TO: Yeah. I didn’t think about that though I just went there and worked as hard as I could through the entire camp.
ST: How did you like the on-ice work you did? What types of drills did you guys do?
TO: It was really good. We did a lot of different speed drills and drills to work on your skills.
ST: What about any off-ice work? Some camps it looks like there were nutrition demonstrations and other things that might not be the first thing you would think of in regards to off-ice work.
TO: Yeah. We also worked out every day and in addition to that we had a nutritionist come in and a sports psychologist as well.
ST: Did you get to do things in the city while at camp?
TO: On one night the team took us out to a Washington Nationals baseball game but unfortunately it got rained out.
ST: What about the other players at the camp, did you know any of them going into camp?
TO: I knew the guys from Saskatchewan. But I got a long with everyone very well. It was a good group of guys.
ST: Other than the development camp, how have you been keeping yourself in shape this off-season?
TO: I have been going to the gym every day and working out really hard and skating two days a week.
ST: Is there anything in particular that you have been working on in order to improve for next season?
TO: Getting stronger and my skating.
ST: What was it like when you had first heard that you were being traded to the T-Birds from Saskatoon?
TO: Sad when I heard I got traded, but then when I heard it was Seattle and I was very excited to join the team.
ST: This season being your rookie season in the WHL what are some things that you learned about the league that will help you improve as a player?
TO: It is very competitive.
ST: What was the most memorable game for you in your rookie season?
TO: My first game in Seattle I never realized how energetic and enthusiastic the fans are.
ST: Looking forward to next season what are some of your goals for you personally?
TO: To continue to play my game and be the best I can be.
ST: On a less serious note, what is a little fun fact about yourself that fans may not know about you?
TO: I love being outdoors at our cabin, fishing, golfing and boating.
ST: Will you be attending a NHL Rookie Camp in the fall?
TO: Yes. I will be attending the New York Rangers rookie and prospect camp.
ST: Thanks again Turner for answering a couple questions today. Enjoy the rest of your off season. We look forward to seeing you back at training camp!
TO: Thanks! Can’t wait for our season to begin!
Seattle Thunderbirds Public & Media Relations Intern Ryley Dozier conducted the Q&A with Turner Ottenbreit. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off-season with T-Birds player.
