Billy Sweatt: An Exclusive Interview with the New Vancouver Canucks Winger

By Todd Cordell: My Exclusive Interview with Billy Sweatt of the Vancouver Canucks

First off I would like to thank Billy Sweatt and his agent Scott Norton for setting this interview up, especially on such short notice.

Here is my exclusive interview with one of the newest Vancouver Canucks, Billy Sweatt.

Before we get into hockey, please tell me what your thoughts are on Make My Day Monday, the charity that your agent (Scott Norton) started.

Billy Sweatt: I think it is a great idea.  Scott's other clients and myself included are blessed to be living our dreams of playing professional hockey and there are some people out there that are less fortunate.  So I think it's extremely important to give back and help people in need anyway possible.

What did you do in the summer to help prepare yourself for the upcoming season?

Sweatt: My summer regiment was probably similar to most other players out there.  It included five days a week of lifting and plyometrics, skating (three times at the start of summer, then progressed to four in August, then to five at the end of August),  and stickhandling on this long plastic board I have.

How do you feel about being a part of the same organization as your brother Lee?

Sweatt: It's a pretty surreal experience.  We got to play together at Colorado College for a year, but I never in my mind envisioned us playing together at the next level, especially after he went to Europe.  But so far it has been an awesome experience and we are both working hard and taking everything in stride.

What were your first thoughts when you landed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks?

Sweatt: I was excited to finally know where I was going.  This whole summer after I knew I was not signing with the hawks, I had no idea where I would end up or if there were going to be teams come Aug. 15.  Then the whole trade to the Leafs happened and went sour really quickly.  

Once Aug. 15 rolled around, Scott Norton and I met with some teams and a couple days later decided that Vancouver was the best decision I could make.  It felt great to finally have it over with and to be in a great organization, such as, Vancouver.

Some Canucks fans don't know too much about you just yet, can you tell them what kind of player you are and what you bring to the table?

Sweatt: My biggest asset is my speed.  So fans should expect to see that the most out of me.  I also like to think of myself as an all around player and think I can play both sides of the puck.  I think fans will start to notice that after a couple games.

Last but not least, what goals have you set for yourself heading into your first season as a member of the Canucks organization?

Sweatt: My goals are to get used to the pro-game and become comfortable with it.  Hopefully my learning curve isn't too long and I can make the NHL sooner rather than later.  But I do know its a process and it's not easy to make it to the NHL.  I think with a lot of hard work and consistency, I can one day play on the big team.

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