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Searching the Central Scouting Bureau’s mid-term rankings for the name Kris Versteeg might not turn up many results, but scouts assigned to following Lethbridge Hurricanes teammate John Lammers (ranked 69^th by the CSB) might get an awakening watching the magic these two perform together.

Despite not even making the list among North American skaters, Versteeg continues to hold his head up high, a head on a slim 5’9” frame, filled out by a meager 160 pounds. He is the classic case of underdog, a player thought too small to make an impact. Versteeg, however, doesn’t see himself this way, nor do any of his teammates, who are enjoying his success as much him.

Versteeg has been a key contributor for the Hurricanes, working on both the power play and the second line in Lethbridge. He has been accredited for much of the success the club has had, despite going unrecognized outside of his hometown. The Lethbridge native only needs the support of his hometown fans, who cheer him on every step of the way.

Hockey’s Future spoke to Kris Versteeg about the 2003-04 Western Hockey League season, the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft, and his play in general.

HF: The 2004 Entry Draft is only a few months away. Are you feeling more pressure, knowing it is just around the corner?

KV: I guess there’s the added pressure when you’re out there, maybe to contribute a couple more points here and there. I’ve just got to go out there and play my game and do it hard, and when the 2004 Entry Draft comes along I might get drafted, and I might not. You never know, but hopefully it’ll happen.

HF: Is the Entry Draft something you’ve placed in the back of your mind over the course of the season, or is it something you’ve given a lot of thought to?

KV: It’s been placed in the back of my mind, but at the same time, I’ve given some serious consideration to it as well. It’s kind of tough to think about the draft and play hockey at the same time. You can’t really worry about it.

HF: Have you searched out any of your teammates’ advice, who have already been drafted?

KV: Yeah, Andy Thompson. When Andy was here (now with the Vancouver Giants), he talked to me about the draft. Basically he said just go, and don’t be worrying about it. If you go, just have fun at it and relax because if you’re going there and are expecting to be drafted and do not get drafted then your heart’s going to be broken, so otherwise keep your head up.

HF: You currently sit third on the club in points. Is there something you’ve done differently over the course of this season in comparison to last?

KV: Really, just the chemistry between me and (2004 draft eligible) John Lammers. He’s really someone I’m contributing a lot of my success to him. He’s been really good for me. He’s a good sniper. Basically, I just give the puck to him and he can put it in the net I guess. It’s been really great playing with him.

HF: Personal successes aside, the Lethbridge Hurricanes have been struggling as of late. What does this organization need to do in order to find success and turn these struggles around?

KV: We’ve been saying in the dressing room we haven’t been working smart, we haven’t been working as a team. That also comes with a lot of new guys. We have seven new players on the roster and I mean, all those new guys need to buy into our system, and they’ve all been trying to do so. Once everyone gets on the same page and buys into the system, we’re going to be great out here.

HF: Head Coach Mikko Makela was released from the club. What kind of impact is a move such as this going to have on the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and will it serve as a distraction as the team looks forward towards a potential playoff berth?

KV: Well obviously we’ll have to adjust to it. I’ve been here for two seasons, and this is our second coaching change. It’s difficult to adjust at times, but in the same breath, it might be good to get a fresh coach in here and get his advice on what we need to change.

HF: With your third coach in two seasons, would you consider yourself a dreaded ‘coach killer’?

KV [laughing]: No, I hope not. I don’t want to be having that distinction.

HF: Not everyone that wants to is going to get to see you play. How would you describe your style of play for those that see Kris Versteeg as another name on the scoresheet?

KV: I think I see the ice very well. I like to distribute the puck quite a bit, possibly to a fault. I’ve been told I need to shoot the puck more in certain situations. I’m more of a passing player and I like to find the open areas. I try to really use my vision out there and try to be a smart player.

HF: Is your size something you’re concerned about, and how are you overcoming it?

KV: I just try to go out there and act like a bigger person then I really am. You can’t act too big out there, because you’ll get shoved down, but I can’t act small out there either. I have to play with grit and I have to play hard every night and that’s how I think I’m overcoming my size.

HF: Since size really isn’t something that can be worked on, do you see anything else that you need to work on in order to take your game to the next level?

KV: I think I have to start playing more of a passive game, and play harder, but not so much in the corners more because I feel I do that rather well right now. I’ve got to get into open spaces more, so that teammates can hit me with the puck. My linemates always have lots of skills, so it’s just a matter of trusting them and getting free so that they can find me more.

HF: Are there any facets of the game you feel you’re weaker in than other areas?

KV: Yeah, my strength. Strength is a key factor for me, as is my skating. Everything can get better. Everything has to get better. Everything needs to improve in order for me to take my game to the next level. Becoming a better skater is the biggest thing for me right now, as is being stronger on the puck.

HF: What would you describe as some of the stronger points of the Kris Versteeg game?

KV: Like I said before, my biggest strength is my ability to make passes, and to hit the open man and to be able to make little nifty plays. I think my biggest strength is to be creative. I love to be creative on the ice and I like to have fun out there.

HF: Have you tried modelling your game after any one NHLer in particular?

KV: I really try to model my play after Peter Forsberg. He’s a bigger guy then I am, but he’s a passive player, and he plays with a lot of grit and determination, and he likes to throw a little elbow here and there, just like me. I just like to watch him play and he’s a great player.

Kris Versteeg has had a great season thus far for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, and leads his hometown junior club in scoring, registering 35 points on the strength of 13 goals and 22 assists. Although the right wing sits –11 on the season, it is more of a reflection of the entire team’s effort at both ends of the ice.

Versteeg has gone unnoticed so far in his campaign, which is difficult to believe. Size certainly has been a factor in his case, as he is very much undersized. Size, however, has not gotten in the way of Versteeg shattering his totals from the 2002-03 Western Hockey League season.

Last season, Kris registered 18 points through 57 games, 8 of which were goals. This season, Versteeg has scored his 35 points in 45 games, more then doubling his point-per-game totals from last season.