Teenagers don’t like to be questioned.
Who does?
It comes with rolling eyes when asked by inquiring parents.
The queries will be coming fast and furious though, as Kelowna Rockets Caden Price and teammate Andrew Cristall participate this week at the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, New York.
“It’s a massive honour”, Price told RocketFAN about being among 106 prospects invited under the watchful eye of NHL scouts. “With there being very limited players and it is an international event with all of the European players as well as the North Americans, so it is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so to be able to go to it is pretty special.”
Price is one of 34 defencemen there, while Cristall is one of 65 forwards who will go through a series of interviews with various teams.
“I wouldn’t say concerned, but I would say the testing seems a little more intimidating”, Price continued. “Especially both bike tests. I feel there’s a lot of hype built up around the bike testing, but I’m excited for both the testing and interviews.”
All 32 NHL teams are eligible to meet one-on-one with each player between today and Friday.
Vernon-based scout Dennis Holland of the Dallas Stars will be there. RocketFAN asked what he is looking for after watching these players numerous times this past season.
“I wouldn’t say the interviews, or the physical testing are more important than the other”, Holland added. “We are trying to see a well-rounded athlete and get a feel for what makes these players tick. They are all good players, but which ones will raise their play and effort when times get tough.”
Price is unsure what type of questioning he will encounter during face-to-face interviews, but will likely be asked about the toughest player he faced during his second season in the Western Hockey League.
“I think considering we play Kamloops a lot, especially in the past two years and us being rivals, I would say Logan Stankoven”, Price said without hesitation. “He is such a dynamic player. His edge work and agility are really good, and he’s got a motor on him. He doesn’t quit on pucks and his feet never seem to stop moving and he’s got a great shot.”
Price should point out the success he had against Connor Bedard, when he was forced into more of a shutdown role when the consensus number one pick in this months NHL Draft paid a visit to Prospera Place in late November.
“I would also have to say Connor Bedard [one of the toughest players he faced] as we played them once. I think obviously everyone knows the player he is and how good he is, but some of the things he does and the way he approaches the game and different situations inside the game is like no other.”
The physical testing starts Saturday. Among the 11 fitness tests will be standing horizontal jump, bench press, and pull-ups.
Sam Bennett made news at the 2014 NHL Combine, when he finished dead last after failing to do a single pullup. The now 26-year-old was chosen fourth overall by the Calgary Flames despite his lack of upper body strength in that discipline.
Bennett is now playing for the Stanley Cup as a member of the Florida Panthers.
Advanced technology will play a contributing factor at this year’s even with the addition of a new mobile app. Players will benefit from the software that will organize their schedules and update their profiles daily.
Price is rated 47th by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters, while Cristall is ranked 15th.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 28th and 29th.
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