AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks.com Features Clay Wilson

Published on August 14, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, August 14)... Amerks.com had a chance to chat with defenseman Clay Wilson about the 2009-10 season in the latest installment of Amerks Summer Player Profiles. Wilson commented on his signing with the Florida Panthers and his expectations for this season. He also talked about his hobbies and his dog, Finn.

Wilson, 26, has played in 280 American Hockey League games with teams in Grand Rapids, Portland, Syracuse and Chicago. He has also played in 14 National Hockey League contests with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers.

1) Last season, you went from the Columbus Blue Jackets' organization to the Atlanta Thrashers. How was that experience? "It was definitely unexpected. I had been traded before and kind of saw it coming. When this trade happened, I had no idea beforehand. It ended up being a positive experience, most of the time. I ended up in Chicago, which is a great organization and was a good location for me since it was only three hours from my house. I got called up for a couple games at the end of the season and had a lot of fun and met some great people."

2) In the offseason, you decided to sign with the Florida Panthers organization. What was the determining factor? "The Florida organization sounds like a great fit for me. I am hoping there is a chance that I could get a good shot in Florida. I also have heard that Rochester is a great place to play."

3) How excited are you for Panthers Training Camp? "(I am) extremely excited to get this season started. The summer has felt long for the first time in my career. Not making playoffs last year was tough and has given me a lot of motivation to work extra hard this summer. I am also looking forward to getting to know the guys and finding out where I will fit in."

4) When did you start playing hockey in your home state of Minnesota? "I actually played most of my minor hockey in North Pole, Alaska. I played my first season in Minnesota for a small school called Moose Lake High School when I was a sophomore. Then I transferred to play for Cloquet High School, which is a larger school that played in a more competitive division."

5) In your first full season of pro hockey, you advanced to the Western Conference Finals with Grand Rapids. Describe the excitement you had during that playoff run? "It was a great run. We had a really solid team a lot of great players. I really thought we had the team to win it all, but we kind of fell apart in the conference finals. It is an experience that has stuck with me and one that I learned a lot from."

6) Over the past two seasons, you have played in 14 NHL games. What are you working on to become a full-time NHL player? "One part of my game that I have tried to focus on over the past few years is taking care of my own end. I feel that if I could become more solid in my own end it would definitely help me stick at the next level."

7) What type of style of play are you known for? "I think I am viewed as an offensive defenseman."

8) What has been your favorite hockey moment? "I would have to say scoring my first NHL goal. It was a great feeling and a great moment for me."

9) How do you spend your free time? "Usually when I am back home I am working on my house. I really enjoy just spending time with friends and family also catching a movie from time to time."

10) What is your favorite vacation spot? "Earlier this summer I went to Mexico. It was my first actually legit vacation. It was wonderful so I guess by default it would have to be Mexico."

11) What's one thing you can't live without? "My dog, Finn."

Check out the Rochester Americans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from August 14, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central