Well, training camp has started. That doesn’t mean another Jackets’ player is immune from the mock job interview series, “So, You Want to Be A Blue Jacket”. Today’s interviewee is…
NICK HOLDEN
Q) Hi Nick, tell us a little about yourself.
A) I was born in St. Albert, Alberta on May 15, 1987. I am a left-handed shooting defenseman, and I stand an imposing 6’4″ and weigh in at 205. I was un-drafted, and signed to play in Syracuse in 2008 after two season with the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins. I made my NHL debut for the Blue Jackets this past season, playing five games.
Q) Tell us about some intangibles you could bring to the Blue Jackets.
A) Well, I’m driven. Having not been drafted and making my way all the way to the NHL shows my will to succeed and my drive. I was able to score a bit in juniors and in Syracuse and Springfield (70 points in three AHL seasons), and I’m big enough to play on-man a bit. I would say I bring work-ethic, more than anything else. I’ve got a lot to prove this year, because it’s my last year under contract with the organization.
Q) What areas of your game do you think you can improve on?
A) I need to improve my all-around game. I’ve contributed a touch on the score sheet, but I also scored 22 goals and 60 points in my last year in juniors and haven’t come anywhere close to that in three years in the AHL; I can always try to contribute more there. Likewise, I need to get a bit stronger. Really, though, there’s not one thing I shouldn’t be working to improve; I’m -18 in three AHL seasons, too.
Q) Can you give us some examples of your hockey accomplishments?
A) Honestly, just making my debut this past season was accomplishment enough. To go undrafted, and then three years after signing out of juniors to be in the NHL… it’s a pretty amazing feeling. i want to work to get back to that level and hopefully stick there.