Jake DeBrusk moved into a tie for the team lead in goals for Swift Current thanks to a three-goal, five-point performance Wednesday night in a 6-4 win over the Regina Pats.
His 16 goals also mark a career high after scoring 15 goals in 72 games as a rookie in 2013-14.
McKeen's correspondent Randy Gorman recently caught up with the Edmonton, Alberta native and son of former NHL tough guy Louie DeBrusk who played in 401 NHL games and amassed 1161 penalty minutes over a 13-year pro career.
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McKeen's: Where did you play your minor hockey before joining the Broncos?
DeBrusk: I played most of my minor hockey where I was born and raised which was Edmonton, Alberta, I then moved to Phoenix, Arizona and played there for a few years before finally moving back and playing bantam hockey for South Side Athletic Club in Edmonton.
McKeen's: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make coming into this league?
DeBrusk: Well, there are a couple of things, you have to adjust to the speed of the game, it's faster than midget or bantam. The players are also a lot bigger and stronger and are getting to be NHL ready so you have be ready physically to go to battle out there.
McKeen's: This being your draft year, did you set any goals that you wanted to achieve personally and team wise?
DeBrusk: Yes, we all have a set goal in the dressing room to make sure our team does well and makes the playoffs and goes on a long post-season run. I have set the goal that I want to get drafted and, as long as I'm contributing to the team winning, I'm hoping that will happen.
McKeen's: What is the strongest part of your game, and what are some of the things you want to work on?
DeBrusk: I think the strongest part of my game is my vision on the ice, the ability to read plays developing. I feel I'm very good at spotting my teammates in the open ice. I would like to work on my defensive-zone coverage along the wall and my basic chip-out options especially because I'm playing the wing now, as I'm a natural center.
McKeen's: How important is off training in the weight room in regards to gaining core strength in order to battle hard for pucks and positioning?
DeBrusk: It's huge, and essential to improve every part of your game. Every WHL team does this with their players in order to make sure everyone has that same advantage and playing on a level field. It's something for me that I keyed on this past summer and it has helped me so far this season.
McKeen's: Who has had the greatest influence on your hockey career to date?
DeBrusk: That would definitely be my dad Louie, he played in the OHL and went the junior route right to the NHL. He has been with me every step of the way, we are two different type of players, but he helps with advice and I'm very proud of my dad and what he has accomplished.
McKeen's: With that being said, do you think you have to prove to people that you can play as good as your dad, or do you just go out and play your style of game?
DeBrusk: You know it's funny because my dad played a physical game and never backed away from a fight I sometimes get challenged by other players thinking that I just want to fight, but I have more to prove out there than how tough I can be. I just go out and play my style and I'll let others judge whether or not I can play at the pro level.
McKeen's: Yes, I concur, there was a similar incidence a few years back in the OHL with Tie Domi's son Max, who also did not play like his dad which many people thought or tried to equate his style to his dad, I guess that proves that every player has to be judged on his own merit?
DeBrusk: Yes, exactly, he (Max) was the total opposite of his dad - and a pretty good prospect in his own right with the Arizona Coyotes, but he also was able to stick up for himself physically and has become a complete player.
McKeen's: As you already stated, you have to be able to stand up for yourself out there, as the players are stronger and will battle and hit harder?
DeBrusk: I won't shy away from the physical game, because if you do, other players will take advantage of that every time you play them out there. I don't play dirty with low hits or shots to the head, but I will aggressively forecheck and work hard physically to take the puck away from opposing players.
McKeen's: How's it feel like to be considered a top prospect for the draft this year?
DeBrusk: You know something you dream of this moment from the time you are a young kid, of wanting to get drafted and play in the NHL. However, you can't get too caught up in the moment, you have to bring yourself down to earth sometimes just to stay focused on what you want to accomplish. I look at the rankings but I try not to get too excited or down one way or the other.
McKeen's: Does it bother you that scouts are in the seats watching you play every time you step on the ice?
DeBrusk: You know I find it a challenge and exciting that they are there watching. I don't look up in the stands but we know that they are there. It's cool to know teams like the Chicago Black Hawks and LA Kings have scouts watching you - it's very special. As for rankings, I usually here about it from other players, I try not to worry about that or care, but obviously I do, but I know if I play my game things will work out.
McKeen's: Have you had any previous international hockey experience?
DeBrusk: I have not really had any opportunity to date to play at that level, I've had some Alberta Cup action, as a late 1996-born player there was some really strong class of players so I was in tough. Hopefully in the future I will generate an invite to play or try out for Canada on the world stage.
McKeen's: As you stated you're a late born player for draft consideration last season, so did having that extra year help you learn and develop a little easier to play at this level for Coach Lamb here in Swift Current?
DeBrusk: Yes, it definitely is like night and day from last year to this year, as last year I was just more concerned about getting into the line up on a consistent basis. It gave me a chance to learn the system's under Coach Lamb and this year I have a greater awareness about what is expected, it's been easier to make adjustments.
McKeen's: Was any player you watched growing up that you wanted to pattern your game after or emulate?
DeBrusk: Definitely, there was a couple of players, Patrick Kane is really admired, just how he stickhandles and protects the puck and controls the play. Other players like Pavel Bure who had that pure speed and energy, he was a real exciting player to watch. Jonathan Toews for his leadership and poise, and Joffrey Lupul for his energy and desire. I'm trying to take parts of each of those guys and roll it into my game.
McKeen's: What is it that you like to do in the off-season away from the game?
DeBrusk: When I'm not training I like to just chill and hang out with my friends. I also like to play video games, as for other sports, I like to play tennis because it's great for the hand-eye coordination.