Montreal Canadiens' Prospect Joel Hanley: A 1-on-1 Interview

Montreal Canadiens‘ prospect, Joel Hanley, is about to live his dream. It seldom happens that a young hockey player can sign a professional deal with an NHL club and get that chance. It’s even less likely that he gets his first big interview from the prospective journalism student that lived across the hall from him in college.

When he was signed with the Habs, I wrote an introductory article about Hanley.

Shortly following his signing of that one-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens, I had a one-on-one interview with this defensive prospect on all things hockey: from his prospective career and advancement, to the reactions of his loved ones at the news, and what it would be like for him to have a chance with one of the best teams in the league today.

How excited were you to sign a contract with the Montreal Canadiens?

It was basically a dream come true for my family and me. It was just awesome that I signed an NHL deal, but even better that I signed with a Canadian team in Montreal.

When you were originally playing in the minors, was Montreal in your top-10 teams that you wanted to sign with, or did you have something different in mind?

I don’t know if I had any team ranked to be honest, but given Montreal’s history, tradition and how special that franchise is, it was pretty cool to see my name beside theirs. That kinda sold it for my family and me.

As far as speaking with Canadiens’ brass about your contract, you had to think about how Montreal has one of the better defensive groups in the league. When you look at how Marc Bergevin builds his roster and how that team plays, did you think you would fit in well with their system and the team’s identity as a whole?

Just from an outsider’s look in, obviously they played amazing and did well in the playoffs, and as far as identity, I’ll do anything I can in whatever their systems are, because I want to do well there and contribute. I feel I can definitely contribute on multiple levels, and I want to help the team and I’m excited to get started.

Portland #23, Joel Hanley attacks the advancement of Worcester #14, Taylor Fedun as the Portland Pirates host the Worcester Sharks in AHL hockey action at the Cross Insurance Arena. Credit: Portland Press Herald

When looking at what this team does and how well they play on a consistent basis, the Habs are looking to be one of the better teams in the league for several seasons to come. How much did that influence you, in comparison to teams that are not as strong or have occupied the lower half of the standings for the past few years?

Well, my agent and I talked, and we agreed that Montreal would be a great fit for me. The fact that they’re a top-tier team always looking to improve, I feel I can add depth for them on the blue line, and eventually earn a roster spot. I made it clear [to my agent] that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to improve both myself and the team, and [both sides] felt that was a critical part to making a deal.

How encouraging is it for you to see young players like Nathan Beaulieu and Greg Pateryn earn their chances to make an impact for the Habs, especially when thinking about the chance that you may be called up and earn a similar opportunity like they have?

Like you said, that’s awesome that players [like Beaulieu and Pateryn] have earned their playing time. Montreal has done well developing young players. It’s really exciting for me to see that they earned their responsibilities and got their chances to learn how to play an NHL-style game, because that means I could earn that same chance and build myself into a better player. It’s definitely encouraging, from a rookie’s perspective.

I remember, back in your freshman year at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, you had a picture of Alex Kovalev on your wall and loved talking about how great his hands were and how offensively gifted he was. If you look back to the players you looked up to as a kid, who had the biggest impact on you and your style of play?

Hmm. Growing up, I always liked different players for different reasons. Obviously, with Kovalev on my wall (I’m actually surprised you remembered that!), he was awesome and showed me how to be successful on the offensive side of the game. I would say that Pavel Bure was someone that I idolized growing up because of how dynamic he was. Joe Sakic was the same way for me, because those two guys were great leaders and could play anywhere on the ice. That’s the type of player that I wanted—and still want—to play like.

As a young hockey fan and player, did you ever see yourself making it to this point in your hockey career? Or did you think this was a dream that probably would not go past junior hockey?

[Chuckles] That’s always a good question. Like you mentioned, not many guys get this kind of opportunity, but I’ve been lucky enough to get a scholarship to play at UMass after juniors, a chance with the Portland Pirates [of the AHL] after that, and now this chance with Montreal. I have a solid chance to keep this dream alive, and to be honest, I think my family is the biggest reason for that. My parents always worked hard to give me every opportunity to succeed, and stood by me whenever I needed them. There isn’t enough I could say to thank them. Thinking back to all the early mornings and late nights at the rink, the hours they spent driving me back and forth, the extra work they put in to make sure I had everything I needed to play and live at my best, there isn’t anything else I could ask of them. Now, because of their support, here I am.

Growing up in Ontario, and being as big a Toronto Maple Leafs fan as you were, did you get any ribbing from your family or friends back home about signing with the Habs?

I actually got a lot of heat from both my friends and family about that [laughs]. But obviously, it’s pretty easy to join the Montreal Canadiens. Even though I grew up a big Leafs fan, it was pretty easy for me to change and root for Montreal, especially after this contract.

It looks like Hanley is ready to hit the ice for the Habs, with the same positive attitude that has carried those who have come before him. Clearly, the Habs organization is putting their faith in his development in order to help him rise through the ranks.

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