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Andy could be handy in Boston
By Amy Nelson and Steve Kournianos, special to CNNSI.com BOSTON (Ticker) -- The absence of Boston Bruins' All-Star center Jason Allison for the start of this season has not settled well with the hockey community in Beantown. But, it is the presence of a budding star in the minor leagues that may get Bruin fans excited before too long. Forty miles to the south of Boston, in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, former University of Michigan star Andy Hilbert is trying to work his way into an NHL uniform. Not only is Hilbert one of the game's top young talents, but he has quietly become a candidate to fill the void at center left by Allison's contract dispute. After signing with the Bruins over the summer following two stellar seasons with the Wolverines, Hilbert -- the 37th-overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft -- was expected by most observers to make the parent club out of training camp. But a surprising switch from left wing -- where he starred in college -- over to center is what the Bruins' coaching staff felt best for him. "I really haven't played center that much the past two years," the 20-year-old Hilbert said. "At Michigan, I was moved out to the wing, which gave me more of an opportunity to score." And score he did. In two seasons at Ann Arbor, Hilbert produced 96 points in 77 games, including a sophomore year in which he tallied a team-high 64 points on 26 goals and 38 assists in 42 contests. For his solid season, Hilbert was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate player. The fact that Hilbert even ended up in Ann Arbor in the first place came as a surprise to most everyone, including his own family. "Most of my family had gone to Michigan State, and I actually lived closer [to Michigan State]," said Hilbert. "But it was one of those things where the atmosphere and the style of hockey that Michigan played was more offensive, so it felt right." After those two seasons, Hilbert felt that his game was ready for the next step. But he learned quickly that success at the college ranks does not necessarily translate into professional stardom. "In the beginning of training camp, I felt a little uncomfortable," said Hilbert of his first experience with the pro game. "Pro hockey is a lot different that college hockey. The guys are bigger, stronger and you can't get away with as many things." Scouts say that Hilbert should have success at the professional level, just as he did in college. His strong skating ability, combined with skilled puckhandling and intelligent play at both ends of the ice, in addition to a workmanlike approach to the game, have reinforced Hilbert's reputation as a versatile player with a blue-collar attitude. "Every night, I'm going to work hard," said Hilbert. "Whether its in practice or during a game, I'm going to work hard and do whatever it takes to help my team win. Whatever role that is...scoring goals, playing defense, playing center or playing wing. It doesn't matter to me, as long as I work hard." Despite spending much of his time in training camp getting acclimated to his new position, Hilbert managed to show, in limited playing time, that he has the skills to develop into a solid, two-way NHL pivot. "I thought I had a pretty good camp this year, so it was a little disappointing to be sent down," said Hilbert. "But that's something you just have to get over. Every day [in Providence], I'm getting more and more comfortable playing center and knowing my responsibilities down low."
Less than a month into his professional career, Hilbert is beginning to feel comfortable with the professional game. "It's an adjustment," he said. "You can't change what got you to where you are. You just have to keep plugging along and keep doing what you do best."
Q&A with Andy HilbertQ: When did you start playing hockey?A: I grew up in Howell, Michigan, which is about 45 minutes northwest of Detroit. I played most of my hockey in that area. When I was 16 and 17, I played for the US National Program in Ann Arbor (MI). Q: Did you grow up in a place where most of the other kids played hockey? A: Not really. Some people played hockey, but I guess you can say it wasn't that common. Not many kids played where I lived. Q: Because there wasn't much of a hockey culture, where did you get your influence in the game? A: I started playing hockey because I would watch my older cousin play. I grew up idolizing him, which made me want to play. That's how I got my early start. Q: I'm assuming you were a big Red Wings fan. Who were some of the players you looked up to in the 80's and 90's? A: The Red Wings are huge [in Michigan]. Obviously, growing up watching Steve Yzerman...I thought he was a great player, and I looked up to him. Also, one of my favorite players growing up was Patrick Roy. He was a goalie. And, I grew up wanting to be a goalie, but people would never let me. Q: When you arrived to training camp in Boston, what was it like sharing a locker room with players like Don Sweeney, Byron Dafoe and Bill Guerin? Did it give you the feeling that you were that much closer to making it to the NHL? A: Definitely. You're playing with those guys, and they're unbelievable hockey players. They are guys whose careers I watched and admired. But, you also have to realize that you belong there, too. Those guys are great players, but you can't be in awe. Q: Did you get a chance to watch Ray Bourque's retirement ceremony at all? A: I saw it on TV. It was absolutely unbelievable. To have all of those great hockey players paying respect to Ray Bourque. He's been such an unbelievable hockey player for the game of hockey, and for the Boston Bruins. It was a great ceremony, and I really enjoyed watching it.
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