Sunday Q & A with Evan McEneny
Jan 22, 2017Evan McEneny, 22, has played a lot of hockey.
Four full seasons in juniors, riding the buses last year with the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, sprinkle in three games with the Comets prior to this fall, and McEneny is ready for the AHL jump.
As the all-star break approaches, confidence continues to drive his game.
Q: You've skated in 30 games this season, have you reached your comfort zone in Utica yet?
A: I wouldn't say that I'm comfortable. I'm learning new things everyday here. I'm just happy to have made the jump (to the Comets).
Q: With last season your first as a pro, was skating in Utica this season on your radar?
A: Utica has always been on my radar. From day one, this (Utica) is where I wanted to be; to be a full-timer.
Q: Any surprises thus far with the Comets?
A: Everything is going well. I'm happy with the spot I'm in.
Q: Is there something you learned in the ECHL that has helped your progression in Utica?
A: Last year, at the beginning of the season (AHL), I was here for a bit (2 games). When I went down to Kalamazoo, I learned how to be a pro. When I came back to Utica, I gained more confidence in my game.
Q: Can you give us a scouting report on yourself?
A: Sure. I'm a big (6'2" 215 lb) two-way defenseman who makes a good first pass, and plays hard.
Q: As a kid growing up in the Hamilton, Ontario area, did you take in (AHL) Bulldogs games?
A: Every year I'd go with my family to a couple games and we had a blast. I also had a lot of fun playing for the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs.
Q: During your first year of juniors with the Kitchener Rangers ('10-'11), Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog was your teammate. Did you think then that he would become the pro that he is?
A: From day one, I knew that Gabriel was special. The first thing I noticed about him, how respectful he is. I can't say enough how hard he worked. He (Landeskog) has an edge about him, when on the ice. As our captain, Gabriel was a great guy and leader.
Q: Any superstitions?
A: Not really. I do the same things before a game, in warm-ups.
Q: Who is the sharpest dresser on the Comets?
A: Curtis Valk. He wears some bold things.
Q: You could have three autographs – who are you asking?
A: (after much thought) - Tiger Woods. The Rock. Luke Bryan.
Q: Who do you admire?
A: The Rock (Dwayne Johnson). I follow him on social media. I admire how respectful and inspirational he is.
Q: What's it like when kids come up to you for an autograph?
A: I feel honored; it's a tremendous privilege. They (fans) look up to us, and we (players) owe it to them to be as supportive, and accommodating as possible.
Q: Why, in your fourth season with Kitchener, were you traded to Kingston (Frontenacs)?
A: I was traded that November ('13-'14), to where I had a chance to win. It all went well. It was easy going there (Kingston). What a great group.
Written by Don Laible