An Interview with Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Jesse Blacker

Jesse Blacker(left) was one of two second round picks for Toronto. The other was forward Kenny Ryan (right)

Interview originally posted on 07/28/2009

 

There is likely a point in some kids life growing up in Ontario, where he would skate on his backyard ice rink and drift into a fantasy world.  In most of these fantasy worlds,  the dimly light home made ice patch gives way to the bright lights of the Air Canada Centre.   The young kid skates up a small patch of ice, and blasts a slapshot into an old, rusted and vacant net.

 

But that’s not what they see.  

 

They see the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals.  They see themselves flying down the wing, getting the puck on their stick, and driving home the winning goal for their beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

 

For Jesse Blacker, that dream became his reality about one month ago.

 

Since being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of this year’s NHL entry draft, Blacker, a native of Toronto, has had a crazy summer.

 

When I asked him about the prospects of being able to, at least for a little bit, kick his feet back with a cold beverage and reflect on his accomplishments this past year, Blacker gives a quick laugh.

 

“It’s been a short summer due to the long run we had with the Memorial Cup and everything, there hasn’t been much time to relax, but my main focus right now is on training and being ready for September, wherever I may be.”

 

Blacker has spent the bulk of his summer working out in the morning, and skating in the afternoon.  He admits he still gets some time to himself during the nights.

 

It may seem like a supreme sacrifice for an 18 year old, but for Blacker, he wouldn’t have it any other way.  

 

“It’s still a surreal feeling for me when I think of being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.  It’s an unbelievable feeling, and it’s a great honour to play for your hometown, particularly when they have as much class and history as the Leafs do.”

 

Being a Spitfire has taught Blacker a few things about tradition.  A hard working city that expects the same out of it’s hockey team, the 6’1” defenseman even got a chance to play in the famed Windsor “Barn.”

 

“I didn’t get to play there a lot, only my first year.  But I scored my first goal there(laughs.)  The fans and the city are great and deserve the best.”

 

Blacker has worked hard to get where he is today, but admits he wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for all the great coaches he has had along the way.  His latest, former NHL Defenseman Bob Boughner. 

 

“The coaches in Windsor have been great, and have been a huge part in my improvement so far in junior hockey.”

 

Blacker’s confidence in the Windsor coaching staff was reaffirmed this past May, when the Spitfires won the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Quebec.

 

“Playing in the Memorial Cup was very important to my development and was also a lot of fun” said Blacker, who reflected on this past year’s playoff run which saw him win Canada’s junior championship.  “As a player you want to play against the absolute best.   It will only make you better in the long run.”

 

It wasn’t easy for Blacker and the Spitfires.  They stumbled out of the gate, opening the tournament 0-2.  Just when it seemed like it was no longer possible, Windsor found a way to once again thrill their fans, and all of Canadian junior hockey.  They are the only team to start the tournament 0-2, and go on to win the Memorial Cup.

 

It was a turnaround that Blacker said came quite naturally.

 

“You know, at the end of the day, I think we finally realized just what it was we needed to do.  We were trying to be too fancy, and we got away from playing our style.  Finally as a group we just clicked and got back to playing that physical Spitfires style.”  

 

Blacker also said there was extra added incentive in their quest to bring Windsor the championship.

 

“We also realized how important it was to the city of Windsor.  It hasn’t been the easiest year with the economy.”

 

All these experiences have come together to make Blacker the player he is today.  But just what type of player is that exactly?

 

“I think I am a two-way defenseman for sure” Blacker started.  “I think I am a responsible guy in my own end, but can also be a presence in the offensive zone.  I think a lot of that will hopefully translate to how I fit in with the Maple Leafs as well.  I like to be a player who makes it hard for opponents to play against.”

 

Blacker admits that it will be a little goosebump inducing the first time he gets on the ice at the Air Canada Centre.

 

“Yeah I mean, I remember my first game their as a fan.  I think we beat Florida 4-3 in overtime that night.  I mean, as a young kid who plays hockey, you’re sitting there thinking to yourself how great it would if you could someday play here as a member of the Maple Leafs.”

 

For Jesse Blacker, who finished up rookies and prospects camp with the Leafs a few years ago, he knows he has a long road to go.  But he also knows he will be given every opportunity to improve his skills and one day become an NHL player with the Toronto Maple Leafs.  

 

And as someone who is self described as an “honest, hard working player who will do anything to help his team win” It’s hard not to pull for a kid like Jesse Blacker.

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