Senators Development Camp 1-on-1: Buddy Robinson
I was fortunate enough to attend Ottawa's annual prospect development camp this past weekend. This is the second in a series of four 1-on-1 interviews with Sens prospects.
Ottawa held its annual prospect camp from July 1-7. The organization invited writers from around the Sens blogosphere to attend on-ice workouts and scrimmages. In addition, we were granted media access to players. The second player I talked to was Binghamton forward Buddy Robinson.
Amelia L: You had a solid first full season of pro hockey with 31 points in 69 games. How did you make the adjustment from college?
Buddy Robinson: It was a smooth adjustment I think. I had a good coach in Luke and Sterls down there and Timmy coming in for the first year too. The guys were real helpful they made it as smooth as possible for me. It helped getting a few games the year before that, being comfortable with the league and knowing what to expect coming in.
Amelia L: You're known for you speed. How does that impact your game?
Buddy Robinson: It helps a lot. People say that I'm a pretty good skater and having the size to go with it definitely helps. So you see a big guy coming down the wall it's easier to assume that he's slower so when you have some speed you can get around him a little easier, maybe get to the corner and win some puck battles first.
Amelia L: With several openings at forward in Ottawa and natural roster turnover at the end of the season in Binghamton, it's likely your responsibilities increase. What do you have to do to take that next step?
Buddy Robinson: I just have to keep working harder. We're here for a week out of the summer and it's been a great week so far and we're working hard. The summer needs to keep going like this, I need to work hard every day and keep getting better.
Amelia L: Ottawa Coach Paul MacLean is known for coaching a "200 foot game". What does that mean to you? Where do your skills fit into such that philosophy?
Buddy Robinson: I think I can play a 200 foot game pretty good. I came up as a younger kid, obviously everyone wants to score goals, as you get older you realize how much more important the defensive zone is. So you've got to play fast in the defensive zone and get the puck back and that's when you have the fun and go down and score some goals.
Amelia L: You're a rare mixture of size, speed, and pretty good hands. Which NHL player do you most see yourself like?
Buddy Robinson: Ooh, I don't know. We were having this discussion in the room the other day, I'm not really sure. Growing up I liked Joe Thornton, but now at this point in my career I think I need to be a little more physical, so I have to think about that.
