Prospect Q&A – Quinton Howden

Howden is a 6’3 Left Winger from Oak Bank, Manitoba.  He was the first round pick in the WHL draft in 2007.  Howden is ranked 19^th amongst North American skaters by Central Scouting.

OpenIceHockey’s Jesse Michael was able to catch up with Howden at the 2010 Canadian Hockey League prospects game in Windsor, ON.

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JM: How do you handle the pressure of scouts and GM’s watching you?

QH: You know they’re all looking down on you and it’s a lot of pressure.  There’s nothing you can change other than go out there, play your game, and have fun.

JM: You passed your career high in goals and assists, what’s been the secret to your play this season?

QH: The commitment away from the rink that I’ve put it.  I got the chance to play with two key guys who have helped me out a lot this season.

JM: What sorts of things off the ice?

QH: Stick handling, shooting the puck, little things off the ice to improve my game on the ice.  I have guys helping me in Moose Jaw and as much advice I can take in I try to.

JM: Did you feel there was a lot of pressure coming out into the WHL as the number one pick?

QH: Ya I did.  I had high expectations for myself but tried to settle down as much as I could.  This year, I felt a lot more comfortable and had a fairly successful season.

JM: What are you the girls like in Moose Jaw?

QH: Moose Jaw’s small but there’s limited choices.  Our team finds a way to find some cuties but we try right now to focus on hockey.

JM: Who controls the music in the dressing room?

A few guys, it’s just kind of a team choice.  Guys are yelling at each other for each song and everyone goes along with it.

JM: What do you have on your Ipod?

QH:   A random playlist.  Everything from rap to country to R&B

JM: What would you be if you weren’t a hockey player?

QH: Volleyball or Golf player.  Those are my two main activities

JM: What do you shoot in golf?

QH: Depends on the day.  I have my good days, and my bad days.

JM: What clubs do you use?

QH: I’m shooting with Callaways that I got for my birthday, they’re pretty nice

JM: Who would play you in a movie about your life?

QH: My brother would play me.  He’s following up in my footsteps so I would have to say him.

JM: Do you enter in hockey pools?

QH: We do a few pools.  Our team logged into one this year.

JM: Would you draft yourself?

QH: *laughing* Probably not to start off with.  If it went well for a few years then maybe.

JM: Do you play NHL ’10?

QH: Not a big video game guy.  We have our team competition against each other after practices and stuff.

JM: Did you create yourself?

QH: Yep I did.  I put myself on the (Calgary) Flames AHL roster right now and try to build my way up and see how it goes.

JM: What’s your best subject in school?

QH: I like everything and work hard at everything.  I love gym and activities like that.  There’s nothing I like the most or hate the most but I put the same effort into each subject.

JM: Have you ever Googled yourself?

QH: I did once and then a few times after that.  I was reading up on some of the draft stuff when I got drafted [to the WHL].   I try not to focus on too much of that stuff and let it get to my head

JM: Do you pay attention to rankings?

QH: Every once in a while when you hear about it from everyone.  I just try to let it happens as it happens and try to play my game.

JM: Boyhood Idol?

QH: [Sidney] Crosby

JM: Favorite Meal?

QH: Steak and potatoes

JM: Favorite NHL player

QH: Sidney Crosby

JM: Favorite Movie?

QH: Bad Boys 2.  I love the comedy from it.  Every time I watch it it’s a good laugh

JM: Favorite NHL team?

QH: Flames

JM: Taylor or Tyler?

QH: Taylor.  He’s got amazing skill.  It will probably come down to what the team needs most but he’s a great player

JM: Backyard rink or outdoor pond?

QH: Backyard rink.

JM: Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky?

QH: Gretzky

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Look for Howden to be selected in the late first round in the upcoming 2010 NHL entry draft in Los Angeles, California

Topics: NHL Draft, Quinton Howden

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