One-on-one with Jake Gardiner

October 23, 2012   Latest Leafs Updates   No comments

Here’s what Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner had to say, after a recent Marlies game:

Q: After playing 75 NHL games in your rookie season, how have you made the psychological adjustment to having to play in the AHL because of the lockout?
A: I’m used to it. Last year I played in the AHL in the playoffs, so I know these guys really well. It’s a fun team, we’re pretty good and we should be successful. So it’s just nice to come down and know these guys, and have a good team here.

Q: Your defence partner Mike Kostka was on the Norfolk team that swept the Marlies in last year’s Calder Cup Final. Does the rivalry ever come up in conversation?
A: Yes, a few times it has. He’s not too kind about it, but I don’t blame him! So, congratulations to them. He tries to keep pretty quiet about it, he doesn’t want to rile the guys up.

Q: How did advancing to the Calder Cup Final help you in terms of your development?
A: It’s a long season and you’ve got to take care of your body. Once you get to the playoffs, everybody steps up their game a lot. If you’re in better shape than the other team, and if mentally you’re there too, then obviously it’s a lot easier to win.

Q: How optimistic are you in terms of an end to the NHL lockout?
A: It’s just got to come to a fair deal. I hope it happens, but at the same time, you just have to come to a fair deal. If that happens, great. If it doesn’t, then that’s how it is.

Q: Team USA and Team Canada will be battling for the (women’s) Four Nations Cup next month. Canada has had trouble facing USA forward Hilary Knight, a fellow University of Wisconsin graduate. What makes her a great player?
A: She was there at Wisconsin when I was there. Watching her on the ice in practice, we joked around that she could be on the men’s team, and actually I think she probably could have been. She’s definitely got better hands than I do! She’s a great player and definitely a lot of fun to watch.

Rob Del Mundo is the author of Off The Post, and is a regular columnist at TMLfans.ca

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Rob Del Mundo

Rob is an avid Leafs fan, and Leafs media member working for Stan Fischler Hockey Services. He is also the author of Blue And White Beat, and is a part-owner and a regular columnist at TMLfans.ca.

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