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NHL draft tracker: Austin Strand, Red Deer Rebels
Red Deer Rebels rearguard Austin Strand has bought into the idea that he is a classic late bloomer. He was told that he wasn’t good enough to play in the Western Hockey League in his first year of major junior eligibility in 2013-14, but is now hearing his name will be called at the 2015 NHL entry draft.
“I’ve heard people say I’m a late bloomer before,” says Strand, whom NHL Central Scouting Service ranked 66th among North American skaters in its midterm ranking. “I’ve talked to scouts who have told me I’m a late bloomer and I’d say the same.”
The Calgary, Alta., native’s ability to make a seamlessly smooth transition to the Dub this year can be partially credited to the work he put in last off-season. He prepared himself mentally and physically in the summer to make Red Deer his permanent home this year.
“Last summer I changed my workout schedule a lot to get ready for this year,” he says. “I thought I needed to make a push and a have good year in my draft year. I worked hard at getting stronger and getting ready for this season. Two summers ago I gained 20 pounds when I was taking some weight gaining stuff and eating a lot more, so last summer I was focused on getting stronger and getting fit for camp.”
With an imposing 6-foot-3, 198-pound frame and an edge to his game, Strand has the makings of a typical shutdown blueliner. He is the type of player that thrives in tight areas and can outmuscle most of his peers in a puck battle.
“I want to become a defensive defenceman – more of a shutdown defenceman,” says Strand, who has four goals, 13 points and 44 penalty minutes in 54 games on the year. “I want to be hard to play against... I also have the offensive abilities to contribute in the offensive end and can make a play and a good first pass.”
Ultimately, Strand is fortunate that Red Deer drafted him with the 48th selection in the 2012 bantam draft. He is not only playing on the hosts of the 2016 Memorial Cup, but he also lines up on the same back end as Carolina Hurricanes first-round pick Haydn Fleury. He has been able to lean on his veteran teammate for advice on the hoopla that comes with a draft year.
“We’re close and I’ve asked him a lot of questions this year,” says the 18-year-old rookie. “I’ve asked him how to deal with the pressure of a draft year and about the draft and combine and stuff. It is good to have someone like him to ask questions."
1. Do you have a favourite NHL player that you try to model your game after?
“Zdeno Chara because he’s a big defenceman that can get the puck out of the zone quickly and shutdown guys in his own zone.”
2. Do you have a favourite NHL team?
“Ottawa. I liked them as a kid and enjoy watching Erik Karlsson. He’s such an offensively skilled defenceman and he’s fun to watch.”
3. Do you remember a moment in your rookie season where you thought it was pretty cool to play against a top NHL prospect?
“Playing against (Leon) Draisaitl was cool. I remember that game (against the Kelowna Rockets) and thought that was cool.”
4. Is there an arena in the WHL that you looking forward to playing in on the road?
“Down in the States is fun to play. I remember playing in Seattle (at ShoWare Centre) and I thought it was a nice rink and it was loud in there and the fans were crazy.”
5. What’s your favourite movie or TV show?
“I’m into White Collar right now. It’s a cop show that I think is a cool show.”
Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen
