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06/03/2010
Simpson Ready for Draft after Combine Experience
Everett Silvertips Press Release
Everett, WA - It was Kent Simpson's turn to be put through the physical and mental rigors of the NHL Draft Combine, and for the standout netminder, currently rated as the #3 draft eligible North American-based goaltender, the weekend provided some strong insight into the dedication and maturity necessary to be a professional hockey player in the world's top league.
"It was definitely a good experience," Simpson explained. "Going in I didn't know what to expect. I heard a lot of weird questions coming out of there and that it would be pretty intimidating, but I went in with an open mind. There were a few odd questions, but nothing too crazy. It wasn't as intimidating as I thought, and I kind of found my comfort zone after a couple of interviews. It went well."
Simpson was referring to the interview process in which scouts, directors of player development - even general managers - try to get a feel for a player's makeup through pointed question and answer sessions in which there are few easy answers. Because of the season Kent enjoyed with the Silvertips, and because of his performances with Hockey Canada and his nearly 6'3 stature, there were obviously quite a few teams looking forward to interviewing the Edmonton, Alberta native.
"They were just trying to get a feel for me, for the most part. I was asked what they thought I needed to work on and what they thought I was good at. I got asked a few questions that put me in my place a little bit. But that's the point of the interviews - they want to see your character and how you respond, and I think I handled it pretty well," Simpson said.
As a well-adjusted and respected member of the Silvertips' locker room who took home the club's Scholastic Player of the Year award, Simpson had little to worry about in regards to the interview process. The reputation of the physical testing, however, was something all 100 participants were aware of.
"That was definitely challenging," Simpson said. "They started out by taking down my height, weight, and body fat, and all that stuff, and then you get to the strength test - the bench press, the push-ups the pull-ups, the sit-ups - those types of workouts. And then you get to the dreaded bike test, and it definitely sucks everything out of you. They just want to see how hard you can push yourself, and if you're willing to push yourself as hard as you can."
Once the process was over, Simpson and fellow Albertan goaltender Tyler Bunz were able to finish off the weekend by interviewing each other in several NHL.com video clips that can be linked to through the front page of EverettSilvertips.com - the informal chats give good indications of the players' personalities and their ability to relax and have some fun in a well-structured, professional setting.
For the meantime, Simpson will be back at work, living the busy, year-round lifestyle of a heralded hockey goaltender. Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence U-20 Goaltending Camp begins on June 17th, an event Simpson participated in last offseason and is excited for once again this year.
"That should be really good. Last year when I was there, I learned a lot. I hear there are going to be some scouts there as well, so I've got to get my game going again. It should be exciting."
And after that? Oh, only the NHL Draft the last weekend in June, an early peak in what Simpson hopes is a long and productive professional career.
"I'm really excited about draft," Simpson admitted. "This is something I've dreamed about my whole life."
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