1st article. 

BANFF, AB -- 

The St. Louis Scarecrows of the SMJHL took local kid, Tanner McLeod, 52nd overall in yesterday's draft. Never a flashy guy, he's worked his way up through the youth leagues in a small town and finally has an opportunity to prove what he's got on a bigger stage. We sat down with Tanner to get his thoughts on getting the call: 

Us: You're headed to the SMJHL, give us your initial thoughts? 

TM: Man, I can't tell you guys how excited I am. Just to have this opportunity and to know that you can play at the next level coming from a small town up here that's not exactly known as a hockey hotbed, couldn't be more thankful. 

Us: Give us the story - how'd you get here? 

TM: Well I mean growing up it was all skiing, all hockey, uh fishing, getting outside, and spending time ripping around the lake. My dad owned a few bars and restaurants in the area that were big in the ski community so really the moment I could walk I was getting put on skis and skates. From there it was just working as hard as you can, knowing you're not exactly gonna get a look like you would if you played for bigger teams. At some point I liked the laid back lifestyle here and felt like I could develop enough as a hockey player to get a look. Had a few good years recently, was able to put the C on the jersey and lead some teams to regional championships.

Us: So you go in the 5th round, 52nd overall, not exactly a heavily looked at player. Does that give you a chip on your shoulder? 

TM: Yeah I mean I'm just happy to be drafted. I know I don't have the film against the better teams in the leagues before so that's probably a factor but I just want to get in there and compete. Think I have a lot of skill and drive to bring to St. Louis and I'm excited to get going. 

Us: Speaking of skill, your calling card is your speed. Where did that come from and how do you use that in your game? 

TM: Ha I don't know, I guess when you're spending all year on skis or on a wakeboard or hiking you just kinda build different muscles in your legs and different fast twitch stuff. At a certain point some of it is just luck and you try to work on the rest as much as you can. I remember skating on the lake with the boys and because there's so much room, we kinda ended up playing these huge games which really rewarded speed, so I think the way we played pond hockey honestly has something to do with it. As far my game, I really don't try to think too much and just react - and that's where the speed comes in. Always been a transition player looking to get the puck on my stick in the neutral zone and beat someone wide or with one move and make something happen. 

Us: So is there a part of your game you think is a weakness or needs improvement? 

TM: Sure I mean there's always stuff you're working on. My defensive game has been something I've always been able to improve on and there's no reason that won't continue. I know against what you'd call lesser competition up here I was able to beat people with a pretty one-dimensional game but I know that needs to change when you start playing against some of these guys that can match you. Being a little more physical and winning battles in the corners kind've stuff. Worked this summer to put on some muscle as I move up into these higher level leagues and I think that's gonna make a difference in my game. 

Us: What's the move to the states looking like? 

TM: Haha yeah I mean real excited for it. Don't know a ton about St. Louis, I know it's a bit different than Banff. But I have a good amount of family in the states, buddies in the area playing for different teams so I'm just excited to get there and get going. Kind've a weird situation this year but lucky to be in the position I am. 

Us: Alright, lightning round. 

TM: Shoot. 

Us: Food? 

TM: Pizza. Always. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. 

Us: Movie? 

TM: I think the cliché answer is Wedding Crashers, so I'll go that or Independence Day. 

Us: Favorite thing to do away from the rink? 

TM: Has to be golf, Banff Springs is a track that I've played all summer. Skiing is up there, lake stuff, boating. Pretty much that kind've stuff. 

Us: Player you model your game after? 

TM: Man, I don't know how you can really pick one, but the way Nate MacKinnon plays the game, just so lethal with the puck on his stick and such a high IQ guy, if I could trade skill sets with anyone that's probably the guy right now. 

Us: Band? What's in the headphones? 

TM: I'm that guy who plays John Mayer's acoustic stuff on guitar at a fire. I know it's insufferable but I like to have fun with it, haha. Really enjoy all kinds of stuff though - Bon Iver, Kygo, Mt. Joy, Wrabel. Then I've been on the podcast, Circling Back, forever. Really funny guys. 

Us: Show? 

TM: Have been on a huge Succession and Billions kick. Love those stories. Also Letterkenny, obviously. 

Us: Coffee order? 

TM: Red eye. Have had plenty in my day getting to the pond early. 

Us: Tanner McLeod, best of luck in St. Louis and moving forward. 

TM: Thanks guys, appreciate it. 


Catch Tanner playing for the St. Louis Scarecrows of the SMJHL this season - we'll keep you updated here with updates from him and the team.