Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

After a stellar rookie season in the AHL, San Jose Shark prospect forward Brad Boyes has picked up where he left off last season.  Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 5, 2003 in the trade that sent right wing Owen Nolan to Toronto in exchange for Boyes, veteran center Alyn McCauley and a draft pick that became power forward Steve Bernier, Boyes has 19 goals and 27 assists in 48 games for the Cleveland Barons.  Consistently on the top scoring line for the San Jose’s AHL affiliate, Boyes is currently being teamed with right wing Miroslav Zalesak and center Grant Stevenson.  One of San Jose’s top prospects, the 6’0”, 168-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario, recently sat down with Hockey’s Future for a quick chat.

HF: What do you like to do in your spare time?

BB: Well, rest, relax, sleep.  I don’t know, I just run around, errands I have to do, watch TV, go on the computer, catch up with friends, we’ve got Playstation and video games.  Definitely things that you can do to keep you busy.

HF: What kind of music do you listen to?

BB: I listen to a lot of types, from rock to rap.  I don’t really like country too much, or really soft stuff.  Other than that, I’m pretty open.

HF: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions in general?

BB: I just kind of go through the same stuff all the time, same routine everyday before every game.

HF: Who is you hockey idol and do you try to model your play after him?

BB: Well, I’d say Gretzky’s always a player you always watched growing up, and I always enjoyed watching him.  You see the way guys play, but for me when I go out onto the ice, I just play. I don’t really try to be like anyone personally. I just go there and whatever happens, happens.

HF: What is your biggest strength as a player?

BB: My offensive ability.  I guess try and score goals.

HF: What do you feel you need to improve upon?

BB: I think try to improve on everything everyday and getting better.  Get better on everything in practice, better on your shot, better on your accuracy, better on your skating.  I try to improve on every aspect.

HF: What are your thoughts on this season’s Barons team?

BB: I think we got a good bunch of young guys.  There’s a lot of young talent and good players and good guys.  I think we should have a good shot, definitely at least make the playoffs this year.

HF: Do you have any comments you’d like to make to the fans?

BB: Just hopefully come out as many times as you can.  When we get the fans out, hopefully we’ll entertain them so they can come back.