Just prior to a season that will begin under far different circumstances than his incredible breakout campaign one year ago, we caught up with Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.
theScore: You obviously had a tremendous year, breaking onto the scene with Philadelphia, helping the club return to the postseason, being nominated for the Calder Trophy, and making Team North America. Looking back on this time last year, what were your realistic expectations?
Gostisbehere: I was coming off a major injury, I didn't play seriously in my first year of pro, so I was just trying to gain experience. I knew I was going to be in the (American Hockey League), and wasn't going to be right in the NHL at the beginning. I was just trying to get games in and get the pro experience, but I was called up 14 games in. I tried to make a difference up there, contribute to my team, and it materialized more and more.
theScore: What was your greatest uncertainty coming in; that you would be able to contribute at the NHL level, or that you would get the chance in the first place?
Gostisbehere: That's the thing about Mr. (Ron) Hextall. He's cut and dry. He told me that when you're ready, you're going to get the chance. So that was in my mind. But he said you're going to have to work for it. That's another thing that really stuck with me. I had to really work for it, and that's what I did all summer. I worked hard. I finished my rehab. I played in the minors, did my shift there, and got the call.
theScore: You're a South Florida native. Is it a challenge to find suitable competition out there in summer training?
Gostisbehere: I don't really train in Florida. I've been up north. I've been in Philly the last three summers and Boston the three summers before that. But there is a lot of training down there. I've been thinking about going back down there. I know Jacob Trouba works out down there, so there's a good group of guys. I'm never worried about finding ice, or guys to train with.
theScore: A quarterback like yourself must relish every opportunity on the power play, but how much fun is it to run point on this team?
Gostisbehere: It's fun on this team right now when you're putting it into the hands of Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid, Mark Scheifele - the names go on and on. Coach (Todd MacLellan) said that it's a privilege to be on the power play - he could throw eight different units out there - so we have to keep working at it, and polish some things. And we're going to keep going.
theScore: Last question for you, has the 2013 world junior tournament (where the United States beat Canada 5-1 in the semifinal before going on to win gold) been brought up in the room?
Gostisbehere: No, it hasn't, surprisingly. I think we have seven of us here. It was a fun time.
theScore: Maybe it's better that way?
Gostisbehere: Yeah, probably. We'll keep (that) on the down-low.
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