Cameron Abney/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips

Even though Cameron Abney is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft this year, something tells me you'll get the chance to see this talented young guy develop a little more at Comcast Arena, before moving on to the big time.

Cameron took some time this week to chat with me about everything from hockey, to what he likes to do when he's not on the ice, to the music that really gets him going for a game.

Cameron, introduce yourself to viewers/readers who may not be familiar with the Silvertips. How did you get into hockey? Where did you play when you were younger?
I watched on TV with my parents a lot and by the age of 6 or 7 I just got into it. I lived in Aldergrove, BC and I played for Aldergrove Minor Hockey. I played outside street hockey and I watched the Vancouver Canucks all the time. That's my favorite NHL team and my parents eventually got me into it.

Describe your style of play:
Being a bigger player, I've gotten into more of a grinder-type role; stumping in the corner, going to hit guys, get the team going with some big hits and fights, that's the role I've gotten into. I've always been one of the taller guys. I'm starting to slow down now but I've always been taller than the rest of my teammates and other teams.

Cameron Abney/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips

About playing forward:
When I was in minor hockey I was more of a goal-scoring type forward. When I got into the WHL, I found it was a lot harder to score goals so I switched up the role a little bit. I never really was a fan of defense. I like putting it in the net, not defending my net.

How easy or difficult was the transition to the WHL:
I played Junior B in the PIJHL in BC and I guess the transition wasn't as hard in that I played the same age guys, bigger bodies. Some guys were skilled but WHL is so much faster and so much more skilled so the transition in that way was really hard. The transition wasn't so hard as to the size of the players. You still get hit just as hard so that wasn't too bad.

The biggest challenge of playing in the WHL:
The speed. I've got to keep up with the guys. And, the strength of the players. You make a mistake for one second and you can get your head knocked off, so that's been the hardest part. I hang out after practice and work on my skating.

You're eligible for the NHL Entry draft this year (Cameron turns 18 in May). Tell me what you look most forward to about that day, beside being drafted.
Getting drafted would be really amazing, but I just try not to think about it. It would be really cool if a team takes a risk on me because I haven't gotten a lot of games this year. I'm looking forward to it a lot.

Biggest influence:
Probably my dad. He put me in lessons all my life. He paid for personal trainers to get me ready for the next level. He's been definitely the biggest influence in my hockey career. (Note: his parents come down for nearly every home game- as they live just across the border).

Who's the practical joker on the team:
Definitely Ryan White, for sure. He's always playing jokes on people. He's one of those guys who will definitely brighten your day if everyone's having a rough time.

First goal that was special: I've only scored one goal this year and that was against Spokane so that was pretty special. (Editor note: Abney scored Everett's lone goal in a 9-1 loss to Spokane on January 28, 2009)

Loss that still stings: All the losses really hang with me. I hate losing.

Favorite player growing up: Todd Bertuzzi when he played for the Vancouver Canucks. He was a bigger player like myself. He was more of a goal scorer but he always played a really hard-nosed game and I just liked watching him play.

Favorite player now: Alexander Burrows (Vancouver Canucks) He plays the same type of game. He's not that big but he's a grinder-type guy. He's not afraid to drop the gloves. He plays 110% every night. I like watching him play.

Favorite "away" arena: Seattle's pretty fun just because the rivalry's so good and it's always a really good atmosphere every time we go there. (About ShoWare Center): It's awesome. I got one game in there this year and the atmosphere was so cool. (About Comcast Arena): Our arena, I think, is definitely one of the nicest in the league and our fans are number one. They're always cheering no matter how bad the score is.

What to you like to do when you're not playing hockey?
I've been playing a lot of X-Box and hanging out with some buddies that live across my street. I play all sports. I play basketball and baseball. I keep busy.

Favorite movie: Coach Carter. It's really inspirational. It's kind of a glory movie where they come back and do really well.

Five songs of bands that help you get pumped for a game:
I like listening to Eminem and some rap before games. It gets me on the angrier side, it gets me in the right tone or mindset to play. Eminem's my favorite pump up music for sure.

Who controls the music in the locker room?
We had Tyler Maxwell but now we're getting a mixture of guys bringing in their music.
Is there ever a fight over music?
We had a little fight yesterday.
Who won?
One of the rookies. We had a debate whether we should have country in the dressing room and some guys think country music doesn't get you pumped up enough.
Does it? I like it, I don't think it's that bad.

Cameron Abney/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips

I think that last line describes Cameron Abney pretty well. He loves rap music to get him pumped up for a game, but won't turn off country if that's what's playing in the locker room. He looks up to players who may not be big in size, but play like giants on the ice. And he's not afraid to chase the puck into the corner and do what it takes to put his team in scoring position. If you're reading this and haven't been to a Silvertips game yet, it's not too late. The team has made the playoffs so the season just got a little longer and I'm sure you can find a ticket. Just make sure to keep an eye out for Number 26. He won't be hard to miss.