Prospect Q&A – Emerson Etem

Etem is a 6’ Right Winger from Long Beach, California and played last season for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.  He was ranked number eight among North American skaters by Central Scouting Services

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

JM: How have you adapted to the CHL style compared to the American style?

EE: Obviously it’s a really tough league and more defensive.  Since a couple of years ago I’ve gotten more physically and mentally tougher.  Willie Desjardins have been really good to me and given me no pressure at all.  I went out there and played the game they wanted me to play and I’ve been successful so far.

JM: Biggest differences between the U-18 US program and the WHL?

EE: Obviously it’s NHL rules, a lot faster and I think he guys are more skilled individually.  There are top draft picks on the other team every night  It’s preparing me for the next level.  Everything down to the crowds is preparing me for the next level.

JM: What do you think the biggest reason is for the American influx in the WHL?

EE: A lot of Californians are coming just because they don’t get the exposure at the colleges out there.  It’s another way that the WHL teams give them a shot to play.  They’re starting to come out with more skilled players, more upcoming players.  With the US winning tournaments like the World Juniors, it’s another example of the US producing better and better players every year.

JM: Did the Gretzky move to LA influence more players to start playing?

EE: It was definitely Gretzky.  He’s the one that brought hockey to California.  But since then I think it’s the year round training.  To be able to be outside all day or work on your shot or train it’s a huge help and the expansion of more and more rinks.

JM: How do the girls in California compare to the girls in Medicine Hat?

EE: Medicine Hat is no comparison.  I’m speechless to tell you the truth.  Girls, they’re a lot more open, they show a little more in California.  I think style is more popular, there are scenes that attract people.  I’d say they’re 10 times hotter *laughing*.

JM: Who controls the music in the room?

EE: We do a team jump around and warm up.  We all just jump around and listen to a pump up song and get going for the game.

JM: What do you have on the ipod

EE: Our pump song is “Tic Tok” by Keisha.

JM: Really?

EE: *laughing* It’s our go to song.  But then we have a bunch of Canadian bands I’m hearing.  I don’t listen to the Canadian kind of stuff but that’s what we listen to…Billy Talent or that sort of stuff.

JM: If you weren’t a hockey player, what would you want to be?

EE: I wanted to be an artist.  Or a laid back job like a surfer.  Something where I can travel and do what I want and not be stuck in a booth all day.

JM: If there was a movie about your life, who would play you?

EE: Off the top of my head probably Will Farrell.  Maybe a little bit of a jokester, he’s laid back and I enjoy that humor.

JM: Do you do hockey pools?

EE: I do a team hockey pool with all the guys.

JM: Would you draft yourself if you made the NHL?

EE: No.  There’s too much pressure and a lot of pressure on other people.  I’d probably pass.

JM: Boyhood idol?

EE: Pavel Bure (boyhood idol).  I admire his speed and if I had one player to play like it would be him.

JM: Favorite food?

EE: Mexican

JM: Favorite NHL player now?

EE: Ilya Kovalchuk.  It’s just his speed, great shot and he scores.  He does everything.

JM: Favorite NHL team?

EE: LA Kings.  It was between Ducks and Kings.  I’m in LA county so the Kings.

JM: Favorite movie?

EE: Life is Beautiful.  It’s an Old WW2 movie.

JM: Taylor or Tyler?

EE: Tyler Seguin.

JM: Backyard rink or pond?

EE: Backyard Rink

JM: Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky?

EE: Mario Lemieux.  I think if he wasn’t injured he would have caught Wayne Gretzky.

Look for Emerson to be drafted in the mid-first round of the 2010 NHL entry draft.

Topics: CHL, Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat Tigers, NHL Draft 2010, U-18 Program, USA Hockey, WHL

Latest Headlines

• Hoefflin performs in shutdown role
• Yakupov Leading The Way
• Quinn and Recchi Lead Prospects into Kelowna
• All Eyes on Faksa
• ASG Skills Competition Participants Selected
• Hyka’s NHL Team in Limbo
• Excitement Builds for NHL Prospects Game
• Mrazek shines in first Under-20 experience
• No More Mr. Magician
• Sweden Relishes World Junior Glory
• Beaulieu a prized prospect for Montreal
• Team Canada set to face Russia in WJC Semifinal
• Sergeev is Foreurs jack-of-all-trades
• Gibson forged interesting path to Team Finland cage
• Q Round-up: American Coyle signs with Sea Dogs

In The News

Sarnia’s Kujawinski ready for U-17 Hockey Challenge

Sarnia’s Kujawinski ready for first taste of international competition at the U-17 Hockey Challenge, competing with Team Ontario at the end of the month in Windsor, Ontario

Gourde keeping pace with the scoring leaders

Victoriaville forward wrestles scoring lead with help from Tigres linemate, team depth

Abeltshauser adds leadership, control from blueline

German defenceman plays solid two-way hockey for Halifax and on the world stage

Richard Finding Success in Guelph

Another of the OHL's Tanner's - Richard that is - is the Storm's leading scorer and will suit up for Switzerland at the U-20’s

Canadian World Junior Team Announced

Hockey Canada announced Thursday Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship