You were one of three players the Maineiacs drafted in the first round in 2008. What were your expectations coming here, and do you feel you’ve met those expectations?

I think this year, the statistics are there, and maybe the team is happy with the pick now. But the first year, I didn’t have as many points. I had a more defensive role my first year. I think they’re pretty happy with me, though.

Your game appears to have evolved. Your first year here, you were a tough, physical player and you fought several times. Last year, not so many fights and more points, and this year you’re over 40 goals. What gives?

My first year, I had to make my place in the league. I was on the third and fourth line, and you have to prove something in that position. That’s maybe why there were more fights, too. This year, my confidence is higher, and when I go on a breakaway, I just go in and don’t think too much. Last year, I had like 49 breakaways, so maybe the points could have happened last year, too. But they all waited for this year.

The way you’re going, you might hit 50 goals this year. Where did the scoring touch come from?

Maybe it’s just that I shoot more. Maybe last year, I just didn’t shoot as much, or I’d wait just a little bit. This summer, I played roller hockey with my brother and some older people, and the players were not bad, but average. It helped me get confidence to score there, and I just did the same at training camp this year, and I just kept shooting and shooting.

How has this team evolved in your three years here?

It came fast. Last year was a long year. It’s fun when you win, and the game goes faster. But everybody is stronger and older. We learned our lesson losing, and we don’t want to do that again. Everbody wants to win and play together. That’s the key, I guess.

You were passed over for the QMJHL draft your first time, and came out just fine. Now you’ve been passed over by the NHL teams through your first year of eligibility. Does that help drive you to be even better?

I have no control over that. Maybe at the end of the year, I get a call from one team or something. But I just want to finish the season strong and go far in the playoffs and win.