2x Media, WC: 773

With the draft less than a day away it's time to check in with Kelowna rookie Dick Clapper. We've asked him some questions about his past season and what he expects for the future. 

Q: What was your first season like in the SMJHL?

A:  Well as I'm sure you know I wasn't drafted. I bring it up at every possible opportunity so I'd be shocked if you hadn't heard, but I found myself a Free Agent the day after the draft and signed with the Kelowna Knights the day after that. I came in as an unknown, nobody had anything to scout on me but a chance was taken as I knew someone within the organization and I wanted to prove myself to everyone. I started on the third line but worked my way up to the second and played heavy power play and penalty kill minutes by the end of the season. I had a great first season where I scored 16 goals and got 14 assists in the regular season. Unfortunately, however, I went pointless in the short playoffs journey we had. Looking back on it, it was a great season and I finished as Kelowna's fourth best rookie.

Q: What would you say are you most valuable assets that you bring to the table? On the other hand, what do you need to work on the most?

A: Well, if you know me, you know that I'm a shooter and "shooters shoot". I should be capped before the next season starts and already I have a scoring of 80. I get the pucks on net and not only do I get them on the net I also get them in the net. Along with that I play a nice defensive game. I've found myself playing heavy penalty killing minutes this season and I still have room to improve on my defense. In addition to those I'm great with passing skills. The play won't die on my stick if there isn't an open lane to shoot; I can dish to a teammate and grab the apple. In terms of improvement, there are some things to work on. Namely, checking is my weakness and I have not put any effort into improving that what so ever. Also, I am not great at taking the face off. I believe this past season, although I did only have to take about 50, my face off percentage was roughly 45%. Now, I'm not a centre so it shouldn't be that important, but if my centre-man is waived out we don't have a great chance of winning the draw.

Q: How do you see the next season going for you?

A: Well as I said earlier I should be capped by then. I hit 30 points last season so I hope to hit at least 50 next season. I think it's accomplishable as I'm expected to play on the second line and maybe even first line power play. Along with all of that I think Kelowna will do well in the playoffs. This past one was kind of a bust but we just traded for a dman and hopefully that helps. Plus I got 0 points this last one so it's gonna be hard for me to do worse.

Q: So you're on Team Canada, why don't you tell us a bit about that?

A: Oh yea that great. I'm on Team Canada for the WJC. We just finished up the exhibition stage, went 4-5 which, you know, still a lot of room for improvement, but the round robin starts tomorrow. Unfortunately I still haven't scored a goal yet, but on the bright side I have 3 assists. Regardless of how this goes for us, it's going to be great experience as I move forward in my career.

Q: Do you have any idea of where you'll be drafted? Have any teams been talking to you recently?

A: It's pretty ambitious of me to say, especially as this is such a deep draft, but I hope to be drafted in the first round. It's more likely I go in the second but I honestly have no idea where I'll end up. I'm gonna be fine regardless of where I end up as long as the team has a good locker room atmosphere that I can mesh with. 

Well that's all the time we have for today. Good luck tomorrow in the draft!