Remembering his roots: Keaton Ellerby

Times Reporter    

 

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman Keaton Ellerby, originally from Strathmore, sat down for an interview with the Strathmore Times before the holidays to talk about his blossoming, young hockey career so far. Ellerby played with the Okotoks Oilers in midget AA at the age of 15, before moving up to the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. He was drafted into the NHL 10th overall to the Florida Panthers in 2007, and had stops in Moose Jaw and Rochester in the minors. During the lockout-shortened season in 2013, he was traded from Florida to the LA Kings. On Nov. 2, he was picked off waivers by Winnipeg, adding three points in 18 games so far this season.

 

AS: Are you originally from Strathmore? Whereabouts would you call home?

KE: Well, I was born in Strathmore. I lived there for a year or so I think, and then my family moved to Calgary and bought an acreage outside of the city.

AS: What team were you playing for before the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL?

KE: I did all of my minor hockey in Okotoks. I got an invite to Kamloops’ camp when I was 15. I went out there and ended up signing with them.

AS: Coming from a small town, do you feel you had more opportunities to develop as a player, rather than those who may have competed amongst many others in a big city?

KE: Yeah, maybe. It was great being able to play in Okotoks. I always got to play a level up a little bit, with some older guys. I enjoyed playing for the smaller towns — never really a city boy. We got to travel to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, which was kind of cool at a young age.

AS: You were drafted among some pretty good players into the NHL, with Patrick Kane, Logan Couture, etc. How did it feel to go 10th overall?

KE: It was an amazing experience. Every young kid growing up is always dreaming of one day playing in the NHL. To be drafted by Florida and to develop there was a great opportunity for me, and it’ll be a highlight for my life for a long time.

AS: In 2008, you were invited to the Team Canada World Junior camp but were cut. Is that something you regret in your career?

KE: No, not at all. There were so many good players, and things happen. I don’t regret it at all. I mean, it would have been kind of cool to do it but I got to play a lot of Hockey Canada stuff — I played under-18’s, under-17’s, the Canada-Russia Super Series. 

AS: Your correct size is 6’5 and 220 pounds, yes?

KE: Just under 6’5, yeah.

AS: How do you feel you use your size effectively?

KE: I just try and play as physical as possible. I’m pretty good skater for my size, so it kind of helps out, being a big guy that can skate. 

AS: What do you think is your strongest quality you bring to the dressing room or the ice?

KE: I just play a good, defensively style of hockey. I’ve never really been the offensive type — but I help my partner, keep the puck out of our end as much as possible, and try to help the team win as much as I can.

AS: What in your game do you think you need to work on?

KE: Maybe the offensive side, a little bit. I’d like to contribute a little bit more, but it’s a tough league to get points in. 

AS: Being with Dustin Byfuglien and Zach Bogosian, what have they taught you on Winnipeg’s style of defensive play?

KE: They got a lot of good, young d-men here, like Toby Enstrom, and Buf and Bogo, like you said. Just play hard. The coach is a good coach, he just expects hard work every day, whether it’s a practice or a game. If you work hard, you’ll be rewarded for it.

AS: Other than Claude Noel of the Jets, what coaches would you say have influenced you the most during your career?

KE: I think Darryl Sutter. He’s definitely been a big help for me. John Stevens in LA as well, he was the defensive coach there. Those two guys were a big help for developing my game and helping me out in areas that I needed work on. They were both really good to me.

AS: I read that you’re related to Shane Doan and Carey Price, is that correct?

KE: Yup! 

AS: How big of an impact did they have on you playing hockey?

KE: Me and Carey, we’ve been best friends for years now. It’s always nice to have him there to talk to. Growing up, Shane was always 11 or 12 years older. We kind of got to see him go through the draft, play in Winnipeg, and have such a great career in Phoenix. 

AS: Who’s the most skilled player that you’ve played beside, and against?

KE: Oof…tough one. I’d say the most skilled to play against has got to be Crosby or Ovechkin, they’re pretty impressive. But I mean, there are so many good players. A guy that I’ve played with…hmm…I don’t know. Good question. 

AS: What team do you feel you grew with the most?

KE: I think LA. I was there all last year and this year; it wasn’t a long stay, but I definitely think my time there really helped me as a player. 

AS: After being placed on waivers by the Kings and picked up by the Jets, was it bittersweet to leave and come closer to home?

KE: You never like leaving the group that you’re with. LA’s obviously an amazing place; it was a great group of guys and a great organization, so it sucked leaving there. Now that I’ve been in Winnipeg, it’s been such an amazing experience so far. The team’s been great and the guys are awesome. We’ve been winning some games and doing well, so we just have to keep that going.

AS: Being on a one-year contract now, would you want to stay in Winnipeg next year?

KE: Yeah, for sure. I love it here.

AS: How loud does the MTS Centre get?

KE: Pretty loud. Just because the building is not as big as most NHL rinks, it’s kind of amplified a little bit. But the fans are crazy. I think with any Canadian team, the fans are going to be pretty nuts. 

AS: What would you say is your biggest career highlight so far? I saw your first career goal was against Henrik Lundqvist; not many get to score on him.

KE: We’ll say that one.

AS: What advice would you give to kids in Strathmore to make it to the big leagues?

KE: It’s just a game, don’t take it too seriously, but you just have to work hard and enjoy it. If something doesn’t go your way, don’t quit, just keep going. Have fun with it.

AS: Thanks Keaton! Best of luck with the season.

KE: Awesome. Thank you so much.