November 2011 – RDS Hockey360 Interview

The following translation is of the above video interview with Kris.The video transcript was translated by Megan for KrisLetang.org.

 
Interviewer: I remember you first training camp, it was also the first training camp for Sidney Crosby in the NHL. I remember you, when you were in the Penguins locker room; you were wide-eyed and very impressed. When you look at your evolution, are you particularly proud of day one at the Penguins training camp, in 2005, all the way up until today?

Kris: Yeah, yeah. It’s special. I think that during my career, from my first day in juniors, I was impressed by the other players in juniors. Every year I got better. It really built up my confidence and my talent. I really developed. I think that the longer I’m in the NHL… I’m really taking steps up. Every year I’m getting better. I’m making progress. From the beginning you can really see the improvements I’m making, and I’m really happy with the way it’s worked out.

Interviewer: There’s a difference in arriving, obviously, at the junior level and understanding what it takes to become an NHL player. Me, there was never a moment when I didn’t see you in shape, physically. Whether it’s the summer time or in any situation, I’d say to pay a lot of attention to your body and you take training very seriously. At what moment did it click that you say “I have to spend this much time doing this to become professional”?

Kris: I’ve definitely always put an importance on my training. My body, the way I eat. It started when I was in midget III. My coach really made me realise that even if you have all the talent in the world it more than that. It’s cardio, its physical force. So it started there and I learnt more and more. Nutrition and how the body can develop is something that I really like anyways. I see every summer how I can develop and become stronger. I’ve really learnt a lot and it’s something I take a lot of pride in improving every summer.

Interviewer: Because when you won the cup in 2009, you didn’t take a month and a half of vacation. You went back to the gym very very very quickly. It was natural for you to do that.

Kris: Yeah, it’s something that often bores. At the beginning you’re young, you have a lot of energy and you think you don’t need a vacation and you think you can go right back to the gym. Now I understand a bit better, with years gone by, that you need a bit of a break. It’s always something I want to get back to, not necessarily on the ice, but working on the machines, doing some slow cardio, no fast because it’s disappears pretty quickly – You take a two or three week break from it and it becomes tiring. But I’ll be on vacation with my friend and I’ll pass by the gym and there’s a part of me that wants to go and just spend half an hour of forty five minutes there. I do go back to training pretty quickly, though.

Interviewer: But at the same time, this philosophy, this way of doing it, your mentality, may be why, starting last year, you have been talked about as a Norris trophy candidate. The fact that you’re being talked about that way means you’re doing something well.

Kris: I think that, when we were talking about my evolution being gradual, It’s true that in putting in the time and money and all the sacrifices I put in to become stronger and in better health, it’s certain that it’s going to pay off at one point and in my hockey career this trophy is something I’d really like to get. I’ve been hearing a bit of talk, but I don’t want to think about it too much. But it’s certainly something I can see in my career one day.

Interviewer: You’re goal is clear; to become the best defenseman in the NHL.

Kris: Yeah, I think that I’m a defenseman uniquely offensive, physical. I bring every aspect of the game, and my own style to it. It’s something I want to develop; not to be a one-dimensional player.

Interviewer: Speaking of being physical, you got a suspension earlier. We saw replays of you giving an excellent check, but with the new rules in place it was suspendable. Are you going to have to adapt.

Kris: Definitely. I’m a guy who is often “border-line” by my aggressive style. I’m a guy who is always moving, always at a good speed on the ice. I’ll have to modify my speed when I get in those situations. Maybe use my stick more when the guys are facing the boards, its things that I can’t stop playing in my style for, but I’ll have to pay more attention.

Interviewer: Thank you so much.
Kris: Thank you.