Danny Kristo

Puckmania has a Q&A with Danny Kristo. I like the answer to the first question.

August 22, 2008
Puckmania


Little was known about Danny Kristo when the Habs made him their first selection in 2008, on the homefront we knew that we could expect big things from Danny this year due to the fact he's always been a go to guy for the USHL, but what kind of player is Danny Kristo, what does he bring to the equation and most importantly how does he fit the Hab's equation.

Danny Kristo is 6 ft tall 180 Lbs right winger, born in Eden Prairie Minnesota

Scouted Strengths are : North\South Speed with Elite level decision making in all three zones, hard worker with puck possession tenacity.

Scouted Weaknesses : East\West mobility overall gritiness needs improvement as well as his ability to stand out from the pack. needs more imposing confidence to his game and toughness.

Puckmania caught up with Danny as he's preparing for a new Season, and got to learn allot from him ( including his love of Waffles ! )

Q - I was surprised to find out you've decided to join the Ranks of the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota instead of heading to your State's University of Minnesota in 2009 , can you give us some insight into your decision ?

A - I never grew up a Minnesota fan. I always wanted to play for Nodak.We have some family ties to North Dakota so i wanted to play there.

Q - What are your personal and team objectives going back to school this year ?

A - Definitly, my goal for this year is to make World Juniors and to play to the best of my ability. somewhere along top 3 scorers in the USHL would be great. As far as team, the Omaha Lancers won it all last year. I don't think anything less than that the team would be happy with.

Q - Talk to us about going to Russia for the U18's how did that experience mesh into the weave of experiences you've had this year ?

A - Going to Russia was very different. the tournament was great and very fun. i wish we would have came out on top but we fell short. as far the travel and everything it was very demanding. i got food poisoning at the start of the medal round.

Q - Prospect camp must have been an interesting experience, the media here was quick to notice your smooth skating and accurate shot, is there anything in particular Hab's brass wants you to work on ?

A - A lot of people say im a good skater but you can always improve there. i still need to get stronger and work on the little parts of my game.

Q - Describe your reaction the first time you saw Missiaen in goal ?

A - When I saw Jason the only thing I said was where the hell do i shoot? five hole?

Q - Allot of fans are curious about a prospect's mindset going into the combine and draft, what did you find the most grueling ? over two dozen interviews or sitting on that bench waiting to hear your name ?

A - The whole process is a good experience. It was stressful and difficult but exciting. I think the hardest part differs per player. for me it was the bike test at the combine and the interviews.

Q - Talk to us about your experience meeting the Habs at the Combine, did Trevor seem to put the emphasis on certain abilities vis a vis others ?

A - The meeting at the combine went well. I remember it and thought that they liked me after. It was pretty mellow and not to stressful.

Q - One of the funnier comments we've had was Timmins telling us : He's like a young buck in the headlights now, but watch his feet ... he's got really quick feet." Was the initial '' wow '' effect a bit overwhelming at first ? It reminded me allot of a comment he made about Chris Higgins several years ago, so your in good company !

A - Glad i could get compared to Chris Higgins ! But everything is overwhelming at first you tend to deal with it.

Q - Who was your idol growing up ? Was Hockey always your sport ? Any favorite teams then ( it's ok we'll forgive you if it isn't the Habs but it can't be the Bruins ... )

A - Growing up I loved hockey, I would have to say my favorite player is TJ Oshie. I now can say that he is my favorite NHL player now that he has signed. Mike richards from Philadelphia also.

Q - Equipment related : What Skates are you presently sporting ? Any prefered sharpening pattern ?

A - I'm using brand new Stuff from Reebok this year ! ( 9K Reebok )

Q - What stick - Curve style do you presently play with ?

A - Right now, the Easton Special Edition 85 flex Iginla Curve !