Incorporating our “Job Fair” format, what follows is how Curtis MIGHT answer the questions if I were on one side of the desk and he were on the other.
Standard Cannon Disclaimer: This series will be presented in the form of a mock job interview. The operative word here is mock. We’re presenting these from the perspective of the player, as if they were applying for a job with the Jackets. The players themselves aren’t involved, so don’t contact the team if you disagree with one of their answers! Thirty players will be interviewed, even existing players. We hope you enjoy!
Q) Curtis, tell us a little about yourself.
A) I was born in Owen Sound, Ontario on October 5, 1979. I was fortunate to be able to play my major junior hockey with my hometown Owen Sound Platers in the OHL. Although I went undrafted, I signed my first pro contract right after finishing up with the Platers, when I signed with the St. Louis Blues. My first seven pro seasons were in the Blues organization. In 2007, I joined the Vancouver Canucks and had a rough stretch staying healthy. The past two seasons I played for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.
Q) Tell us about some intangibles you could bring to the Blue Jackets.
A) The biggest intangible I bring to Columbus is my mentoring ability. Two seasons ago, I had the pleasure of teaming with Cedrick Desjardins, a goalie who has a huge amount of potential. With the Jackets, my maturity will let me do whatever’s needed to help the club. Whether it’s here in Columbus or in Springfield.
Q) What areas of your game do you think you can improve on?
A) Statistically, I’ve had two really good years in a row. What I need to remain focused on, is continuing my strong fundamental goalkeeping. It’s also important to remain in top physical condition. Ultimately, I need to let the Blue Jackets know that I am capable of playing in the National Hockey League. That does not come at the expense of any of the other guys, but I need to let the organization know if they need somebody capable of starting one game or a month’s worth of games, I am a reliable choice.
Q) Can you give us some examples of your hockey accomplishments?
The past three seasons in the AHL, teams that I’ve played on have made it into the third round of the playoffs, and the Calder Cup finals once. In the ’09-’10 season, Cedrick Desjardins and I won the AHL’s Hap Holmes Trophy, which is the AHL’s version of the Vezina Trophy. Also last season, I was named to the Second All-Star Team in the league.