Saturday, January 9, 2010

Adam getting ready for next step

Newfoundland native Luke Adam returned home this week for a weekend of rest after helping Team Canada skate to a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon. The Telegram caught up with Adam, who talked about his season to date before returning to the Cape Breton on Monday.

Despite never being used in what could be called a feature role on Team Canada, Adam had four goals and four assists in six games for the eventual silver medal-winners, including a goal and an assist in a 6-5 overtime loss to the United States in Tuesday's championship game.

Sabres' scouts at the tournament enthused about his play, adding to recent praise from Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier.

"I give him a lot of credit because he has really focused in on improving," Regier told the Buffalo News. "Luke is very curious. He asks for video and he asks for things that will help him. He is very active in taking ownership of his career. It's a pretty nice thing to watch."

Of course, Adam - who has until June 1 to sign his first contract with the Sabres - knows he still has a ways to go before becoming an NHLer, but believes he's at least on the right path.

"Last year, I was focused on being a better junior player," said Adam, the No. 1 centre for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

"This year, with the help of my coaches, I'm at the point where I'm focused on doing things that will help me become a better professional player, and I think that's happening."


The Telegram website also captured video of Adam's arrival at St. John's airport. A brief interview begins at the 1:38 mark.



For more information on Adam, check out this interview he was kind enough to do with SabresProspects back in March while recovering from his season ending injury.