Four months after helping his country repeat as world champions, Matt Duchene is back representing Canada in international competition. We caught up with the talented Colorado Avalanche forward at media day for the World Cup of Hockey.
theScore: You live and train in cottage country over the summer. We've all seen footage of you shooting pucks with the bug hat. Have you made additions to your on-site training methods at the Duchene residence?
Duchene: Yeah, that video's old. It was at my parent's house. I've since built a cottage and I have a similar shooting range up there as well, and my gym right there. I've got a great setup, and everything I need to get better throughout the summer.
theScore: Your fiancee is American. Have you sold her on the merits of cottage-country living in Canada?
Duchene: Oh, she loves it, yeah. It was hard to get her out of Haliburton this summer. As much as I was excited for this, we had such an amazing summer, and when it came to an end - it's always tough to turn the switch. But once you flip it back on toward hockey, you don't even think about it. Maybe after this tournament I will get a day or two to go back up and enjoy it for a little bit. It was a great summer, though, and we got out of it what we needed to.
theScore: There's widespread debate in Canada over why this player is selected, why this player isn't. You've become somewhat of a mainstay for Hockey Canada. What do they covet in you?
Duchene: I'm not sure. I try to bring speed and skill. I try to do everything at a fast pace. I think I have shown that I can play a 200-foot game and be trusted at the last Olympics and the (World Championship). This past year I played in all situations. That's very important. (Hockey Canada) doesn't take guys that play one way or aren't detail-oriented. It's what I've tried to focus on, combining that and my God-given ability.
theScore: You met a goal of reaching the 30-goal plateau last season. Have you set a new benchmark for yourself?
Duchene: I've learned that it's dangerous to set number-oriented goals. I would love to produce another 30-goal year. I think I am very capable of that. But I don't want to set goals like that. At the end of the day, the biggest thing is doing whatever I can to help my team win and get back into the playoffs. That's the most important thing.
theScore: There's a new boss in Colorado. Have you spoken to Jared Bednar, and if so, what was your first impression?
Duchene: We talked for about a half hour before I came up here. We had a really good talk. He's a really nice guy, and I think he's going to be great for a our team.
(Note: Interview was condensed and edited for clarity.)
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