RealGM Hockey: Shift Change - Interview With Aaron Ness

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Interview With Aaron Ness

Authored by Michael Sonday - 13th June, 2008 - 11:28 pm

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With the 2008 NHL Draft just one week away many organizations are putting the finishing touches on there projected draft lists.

One intriguing prospect on many of those lists is defenseman Aaron Ness of Roseau, Minnesota, a small town located just ten miles south of the Canadian border.

Scouts have had many different opinions of Ness who is projected to be anywhere from a late first round to a mid-third round selection.

RealGM had a chance to chat with Aaron about his strengths that make him a blue chip prospect and his weaknesses that may have teams passing him by come draft day.

RealGM: Talk about the commitment you made to hockey by skipping your senior year of high school to play college hockey this coming season at the University of Minnesota.

Ness: It was sad playing my last high school game but I decided that it was something that I needed to do. I felt I needed to play at a higher level to progress to the player that I want to be. I had to take eight classes during the day and three more online at night. It was hard to balance with skating, practice, and lifting weights.

RealGM: What is the biggest strength that you will bring to the NHL club that drafts you?

Ness: My speed is one of my biggest strengths. I think my offensive presence at the point is also one of my strengths. I feel I can play solid in my own end and chip in some important goals.

RealGM: What are some weaknesses that you will have to work on before turning pro?

Ness: Strength, I definitely have to work on my strength. There are other things that I will need to work on but obviously I am not the biggest guy in the world (5'10" 170 lbs.) so strength will be the main thing.

RealGM: Your next step is the University of Minnesota. How did you choose the Gophers over other schools or Canadian junior hockey?

Ness: The style of play fits me. I love to jump up into the play and help out offensively; with the large ice I will have a lot opportunity to carry the puck. Everything about the school is impressive. The coaches are great and I am looking forward to playing at Mariucci Arena.

RealGM: How many years are you planning on playing at the University of Minnesota before your decide to take your game to the NHL?

Ness: I have not even thought about the NHL yet, it will be something that I will have to take year by year.

RealGM: Who is a hockey great that has inspired you?

Ness: Bobby Orr, he has always been an idol of mine.

RealGM: Which NHL player do you pattern your game around?

Ness: I would have to say Scott Niedermayer, I love the way he plays, I try to play a similar style. I just love to watch him play.

RealGM: Any reasoning to why you wear the number ten?

Ness: My dad was number ten during his playing days so I decided to stick with his number. He was drafted by Chicago (133 overall in the 1982 NHL Draft, one pick ahead of Doug Gilmour) and played at North Dakota in college.

RealGM: Good luck in the draft and next year at the U of M.

Ness: Thanks.

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