Oct. 15—GRAND FORKS — Ollie Josephson stepped into a big role as a freshman for UND last season, playing in all situations — 5-on-5, power play and penalty kill.
He spoke to the Herald this week about his offseason and more.
Q. What did you learn about college hockey coming in last year from Red Deer in the Western Hockey League?
A. I think just how fast it is. Older guys (are playing), obviously, but also just how fast plays are being made. It's at a higher level. Battles are harder. It's just more intense every night.
Q. Was there a time last year you felt you had gotten your feet underneath you and the game slowed?
A. I don't know if there was a point where it was like, "Oh, it's clicking now." I think just as the year went on, getting more and more confidence and working with the coaches and getting comfortable with my linesmates helped a lot.
Q. How did you spend the summer? Were there any areas of your game you specifically wanted to improve?
A. I skated and worked out a lot in Victoria (British Columbia). A couple things I wanted to work on were playmaking, making plays quick in the offensive zone, using my feet a little more and working on my shot.
Q. What are your thoughts about playing Bentley at home this weekend?
A. I think we're all excited. We got two big ones last weekend. I know they're not easy competition over there. We've had a good week of practice so far and we're looking forward to it.
Q. Why did you start playing hockey?
A. My dad played, so he put me in skates and I fell in love. I don't even remember the first time I put on skates, I was so young. But I stuck with it and it was probably the best decision of my life.
Q. Where did he play at?
A. He grew up playing in Merritt, Interior B.C. Then, he played with the Kamloops Blazers, Lethbridge Hurricanes, drafted by Chicago and
played a little bit of pro.
He had some injuries and called it.
Q. If there's one current or former hockey player you could have dinner with, who would you choose?
A. I'd probably go with Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player of all time. That would be pretty special.
Q. Do you have any pregame rituals?
A. Nothing too crazy. Me and my roommate, Hudson Malinoski, we listen to the same song on the drive to the game every day. I make my bed before I leave and that's about it.
Q. What song?
A. Flashed Junk Mind (by Milky Chance).
Q. What's the most memorable goal you've ever scored?
A. My first one here. I had never played in front of a crowd like The Ralph. It was a big goal, too. I think it was our first goal of the game. The emotion of that one was pretty cool.
Q. What's something you're competitive in besides hockey?
A. I feel like any time my family does a Christmas stupid game, it gets pretty competitive and maybe have to go for a little walk because it gets a little heated.
Q. What's your dream vacation spot?
A. I'd maybe go with Greece.
Q. Do you have a favorite meme?
A. I like the Will Ferrell one from Wedding Crashers where he's putting his hands up in the air.
Q. What's your favorite childhood memory?
A. Maybe playing lacrosse in Victoria. All my best buddies were on the team. We all grew up together playing lacrosse. We had a pretty good team, so we won provincials three times.
Q. What's the best food spot in Grand Forks?
A. Harry's is the obvious, but if I were to just go for dinner on a regular day, I'd probably say Charras.
Q. If you were singing karaoke, what would be your go-to song?
A. Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice.
Q. What's the best meal your mom or dad can cook?
A. My dad can make some pretty stellar Philly cheesesteaks. My mom. . . oh, there are a lot. She's got a good beer stew, she's got a good homemade spaghetti and meatballs recipe, a lot of good salmon bowls. She's a versatile cook.
Q. What's your favorite part about your hometown, Victoria, B.C.?
A. I'd say the landscape. You could hike a mountain, you could go in the ocean, you could go on a lake. It's a pretty beautiful spot. Lucky to be there, for sure.