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Prospect Q&A – Calvin Pickard

Written by: Jesse Michael on 31st May 2010

Prospect Q&A - Calvin Pickard | read this item

Pickard is a 6’ goalie from Winnipeg, Manitoba and played last season for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.

He is the number one goalie prospect in the world according to the Central Scouting final rankings. He is also the brother of Nashville Predators prospect Chet Pickard.

OpenIceHockey’s Jesse Michael caught up with Cavlin at this year’s prospects game in Windsor, Ontario.

JM: You’re brothers with Chet [former WHL goaltender]. Do you feel like you’re in his shadow with all of his accomplishments so far?

CP: “Obviously I get compared to him pretty much every day. I get asked that question quite a bit. It’s good to have that name out there can’t hurt. You have to pave your own path, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”

JM: How have you tried to differentiate yourself from your brother?

CP: “We’re different people. Three years apart. I’m just trying to be the best goalie I can be at all times.

JM: In your opinion, who’s the better goalie?

CP: “Him right now because he’s playing pro hockey, but I had bit of a head start. I had a little more of natural ability, but he had to work a little harder to earn where he is right now. Hopefully I can do the same.”

JM: Major differences in your game compared to his?

CP: “I play more of an athletic style, whereas he’s more sound technically. But we’re both mentally sound. There really isn’t that much of a difference between the both us”

JM: Any other brothers growing up besides Chet?

CP: “Just the two of us. “

JM: Who shot on you?!

CP: *laughing* “We took turns shooting on each other.”

JM: How often did you play each other when you were younger?
CP: “We never played against each other up until last year in junior. We played against each other a few times and he beat me every time.”

JM: Who did your parents cheer for?
CP: “They were just watching the game, nervous. They were hoping for a 1-0 shootout win. They cheer for both of us and hope it’s a low scoring game.”

JM: Who controls the music in the Seattle dressing room?
CP: “I like changing up the music. There’s this one guy that does it all the time. We have some good beats. Mostly rap, some popular stuff, and some techno.”

JM: What do you have on your IPod?
CP: “Mostly country. I’m more of a country guy.”

JM: What profession would you be if you weren’t a hockey player?
CP: “I haven’t really thought about that since I’ve been a hockey player most of my life, but I’d want to get into something like a Chiropractor.”

JM: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
CP: “Will Farrell. I guess people call me a funny guy. *laughing*”

JM: Do you do hockey pools?

CP: “Ya. There’s a few of us in one this year. We aren’t paying much attention to it. I haven’t been much of a hockey pool guy but it’s fun to compete against your teammates and that kind of thing.”

JM: Would you draft yourself?
CP: “Probably ya. For sure”

JM: Do you play NHL ’10?
CP: “Oh ya. A lot. My roommate and I have the best of 7 series every night.”

JM: Did you create yourself in the game?
CP: “I haven’t yet; I just play with different NHL teams. I don’t want to jinx myself”

JM: Favorite boyhood idol growing up?
CP: “Roberto Luongo. I lived in New Brunswick when he was playing in Bathurst in Junior so I saw him play quite a bit. Then obviously just watching him on TV”

JM: Favorite meal?
CP: “Steak. Steak and potatoes.”

JM: Favorite NHL Team
CP: “All the Canadian teams and New Jersey.”

JM: Favorite Movie?
CP: “Dumb and Dumber. It’s just a classic and I know every line.”

JM: Taylor or Tyler?
CP: “Tyler.”

JM: Backyard rink or pond?
CP: “Backyard Rink.”

JM: Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky?
CP: “Wayne Gretzky.”

JM: Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, Roberto Luongo?
CP: “Luongo.”

Calvin is projected as a late first round or an early second round pick at the upcoming 2010 NHL entry draft.

Topics: Calvin Pickard, Chet Pickard, Nashville Predators, NHL 2010 Draft, NHL Draft, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL

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May 31, 2010 at 12:55 pm

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