One of our last mock interviews turns to one of the Jackets’ most intriguing and at times frustrating prospects – puck moving blueliner John Moore.
Q) Hi, John. Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Winnetka, Illinois, outside of Chicago, on November 19, 1990. I’m a lefthanded shot and I’m normally characterized as a puck moving defenseman with strong offensive skills. I played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL before being drafted by the Jackets with the 21st overall pick in the 2009 entry draft. I was considering going to the NCAA, but made the decision to play for Kitchener in the OHL after I was drafted. I put in one season with the Rangers in 2009-2010, where we had a run to the OHL Western Conference finals, then made my pro hockey debut last season, spending most of the time in Springfield, but playing in my first ever NHL game on February 5th against the Oilers.
Q) Tell us about some intangibles you could bring to the Blue Jackets?
I’ve got a good eye for offense from the blueline, particularly in pressure situations – I had 4 goals and 12 assists in the OHL playoffs, and I’m hoping to translate my vision of the ice into the pro game. I’m a great skater, and my quickness to respond and react is a real asset.
Q) What areas of your game do you think you can improve on?
I’ve always been a good offensive d-man, but my defensive numbers frequently suffer. I see the ice offensively, but make mistakes at times in game situations. Last season I had a lot of issues with consistency in Springfield, and though I’m a good PPQB, I really need to get stronger to face bigger, more powerful opponents. I’m feeling a lot of competition with the depth behind me – I have to step my game up to live up to the potential from my draft year.
Q) Can you give us some examples of your hockey accomplishments?
In Kitchener, I was named to the OHL all star team and won the Bob “Snowy” Schlieman award for the best offensive defenseman. I also won the Rangers’ Ted Scharf humanitarian award, and was named to the AHL all star game last season to represent the Falcons.