BSPN: All right. So here's the first post of the BSPN Draft Day coverage. An interview with potential number one pick Jon Rowson. Well Rowsie, thanks for joining us here in the BSPN draft studios.
Jon Rowson: No problem at all.
BSPN: We'll start off looking back at last season. What was it like lifting a championship trophy for the Niagra Royals in your first year of North American hockey?
Jon Rowson: It was fantastic. The guys in the locker room were fantastic and it was a joy to play with them. Also, the thrill of winning, especially as Brooklyn well.. thrashed us in the first game in the round robin stage, and to get them back was thrilling. It was difficult because Alex [Rawnsley] was away for the playoffs, so I had to try my best to juggle the lines around, especially in case we couldn't get arguably the league MVP this year Adam L'Italien back, but thankfully we could get him back and he showed his worth in the playoffs. Yeah. It was fantastic.
BSPN: Ah yes you subbed in at coach for a while there. Did you enjoy that? Do you perhaps see yourself taking up a coaching position in the BHL in the future?
Jon Rowson: It was great to be able to coach. I didn't change much, as Alex set up all the tactics and stuff before the playoffs, and it was the same that we used all season, but it was great fun. In the future.. well. I'd want to get myself established as a BHL regular first and foremost, but in the future, I'd definatly want a shot to coach a team.
BSPN: On to the draft. First off, what team, or teams, would you like to go to? There have been rumors flying around of you going number one to the Austin Maraudersw.
Jon Rowson: Well, I've love to go to Austin, as I've talked with Andres in the past, and I'd really like to go there and be a major part of the "revival" and bringing Austin back to former glories. If not Austin, then I'd also like to play for Brisbane and Berlin, but wherever I end up, I'll put in 100% and play to my upmost ability
BSPN: What are some of your goals for next year? With you potentially being the number one pick, there are very high expectations for your play around the league.
Jon Rowson: My main goal is to solidify my spot as a solid defenseman, playing regularly and chipping in with points whenever I can. If I do get drafted first then I know the expectations will be high, but I'm confident thata I can perfom well next season, and hopefully be a big part of the teams success, wherever I end up
BSPN: I do believe you will be one of the first Brits to play at the peak of professional hockey, the BHL. Do you think it will be hard being so far from home, especially at your age? Granted, if somehow you end up in Berlin it won't be too far from england, but you'll be spending a lot of time out on the road.
Jon Rowson: I don't think it will be hard. I've already spent a year over in Niagara and it was a pleasure to live and play there, so I think i'll be fine
BSPN: Recently, there has been a lack of defenseman in the BHL. Why do you think that is? Is it simply because us forwards end up getting all the goals, whilst D-men such as yourself end up being sort of "unsung heroes"?
Jon Rowson: I'm not really sure to be honest. Maybe it's because being a defenseman isn't that "glamourous". I chose to be a defenseman mainly because that's the position I've played all my life, and I really enjoy it. It's not always about the stats!
BSPN: Time for a little rapid fire, quick question, quick answer. Favorite BHL player besides myself:
Jon Rowson: Ilya Sarin.
BSPN: Favorite BHL jersey:
Jon Rowson: Montreal
BSPN: Favorite equipment manufacturer:
Jon Rowson: I like the look of the Perkele stuff, and the name is fantastic.
BSPN: Isn't the name some sort of Finnish sware word? Favorite pre-game "pump-up" song:
Jon Rowson: It is. I'm not 100% sold on it's meaning though. Umm. That's a toughie. I'd probably go.. Breaking Benjamin - Diary of Jane
BSPN: Ok now here's the time for the final question, this could make or break your draft position. What in your particular skillset, do you find a BHL team will find most valuable? Whether it be on-ice talent, or off-ice "intangables" or both.
Jon Rowson: For me it's probably got to be off ice stuff. Like simming, or doing stuff to get other members on the team more active. I was lucky at Niagara, as the Royals were one of the most active, along with the Loggers, and it's much more fun to be on an active team, so if you can get other people to be more active, then it makes it more fun, not only for yourself, but for other members on your team
BSPN: And that wraps up the beginning of our BSPN draft coverage. Look for more in-depth analysis from the BSPN panel of experts later tonight around draft time. Thanks for sitting down with us Rowsie, been a real pleasure.
Jon Rowson: No problem. Thank you.
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