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06/08/2010
NHL Draft Part of Theriau's Maturation Process
Everett Silvertips Press Release
Everett, WA - When the NHL Draft is held later this month, the culmination of years of hard work should reach a significant milestone in the career of Alex Theriau, a slick-footed, well-balanced defenseman, who looks to have his name called and rights obtained by an NHL team.
Asked to gauge his excitement, the reflective Theriau kept an even keel approach to the entire process.
"I don't know. It's kind of a difficult question. At the same time, you don't want to get too excited and get caught up in the rush of the draft, but just keep a level head and work hard."
The hard work and effort has always been there for the Duncan, BC native, who played in 70 of 72 games for the Silvertips this season and logged loads of minutes as a relied-upon defenseman. Theriau broke out offensively in 2009-10, recording 24 points on four goals and 20 assists along with 68 penalty minutes and a +12 rating.
"I think I made the biggest strides in my confidence and composure," Theriau explained. "I'd say that skating the puck and making plays with the puck were areas where I improved over my 16-year old year."
There were improvements across the board in Theriau's game, not limited to his confidence and decision-making. Most importantly, he maintained a professional attitude, from the way that he prepared the day of a game, to his attentiveness in stretches and warmups, all the way through his ability to defend his teammates and see the ice in important situations. Alex Theriau - now 129 games deep in his major junior career - is officially a WHL veteran.
"I think that's a fair statement. It's going to be my third year in the league," Theriau acknowledged. "I hope my role keeps increasing and that through the effort that I put in, I'll be out there on the ice in key situations, trying to help my team win hockey games."
While the upcoming draft is a dot on the map to look forward to, Alex is more concerned with the entire journey, one he hopes doesn't have an off-ramp early in the playoffs.
"I have a team goal - I'd like to make a far run in the playoffs. Next year, that's got to happen, for sure. I'm just going to do my part by working as hard as I can in the gym over the summer, and help the team get deep in the playoffs. I've been working on my leg strength and my explosiveness, trying to get into really good shape as far as my cardio, and throwing a lot of core and upper-body in there as well. I haven't started the Yoga yet, but I will. We're all working hard this summer."
Theriau isn't concerned with which team will select him at the NHL Draft, though he referenced a future hall-of-famer from Cranbrook, British Columbia, as a player who has had a huge impact on so many young Western Canadian defensemen's careers, and someone he has always admired.
"I think a lot of younger hockey players have really admired Scott Niedermayer's skill set, and the way he plays the game," Theriau explained. "He's such a fluid skater, he moves the puck well, creates offense and just plays the game the right way. His ability to make the game look effortless is what I've always respected. Everybody would like to have that skill set."
Theriau will remain steady for the next month and beyond. He's excited for the draft, and what the future holds, though he's more concerned with what he needs to do to succeed both in the immediate and extended future.
"Some of the best advice I've received has come from my agent - he's been telling me just to maintain a level head and continue going about what I do every day - going to the gym, working hard, and keeping a positive attitude. If I do that, everything will take care of itself."
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