Sheng Peng
Dylan Gambrell knows he and the San Jose Sharks didn’t have the seasons that they wanted.
But the 2016 second-round pick also knows what he needs to improve to take that much-awaited next step in his development.
San Jose Hockey Now caught up with Gambrell, who’s training in Denver now. The 23-year-old forward shares what it was like in the San Jose Sharks locker room when they found out the NBA season was canceled, how he’s adding to his own game, and who the best golfers are on the Sharks.
Gambrell is also taking part in a charity hockey tournament, starting this Wednesday. Dawg Bowl X’s games will all be shown online and you can support the cause by participating in their online auction.
This interview has been edited for length.
Sheng Peng: You played in Chicago during San Jose’s last game of the season. When did you guys find out about Rudy Gobert and the NBA season being canceled? What was the reaction in the room?
Dylan Gambrell: It was a weird feeling.
We went out, played the game. Right after, a couple of guys who didn’t play, we went into the locker room and heard from them. They officially called it, called the NBA. We were kind of thinking it was going to happen to us.
After the game, I remember, they have the TVs in the weight room in Chicago, everybody was just like whoa. It was definitely an [important] moment.
SP: Overall, I know it wasn’t the season that you or the team wanted. Individually, what are you working on in your training to give you an edge next year?
DG: For me, I want to put on some more muscle. Hang on to pucks a little longer, build that lower-body strength, that strong base. But at the same time, keep that skating burst. I’ve put on some good muscle so far. I want to continue to do so with this much time until next season. Unfortunate as it is for us to be out — we want to be out there playing — I think it’s a moment where you look in the mirror and say, What can I do? I have all this time, what can I do to come back next season?
There’s a lot of time to put on that weight and work on things on the ice.
SP: What’s training been like? I know rinks were closed for while. Have you been able to skate?
DG: Training hasn’t been too bad. When it first all went down, there was no ice, no gym. It was doing whatever you can inside, body weights and all that.
There are the limitations. You can only have so many people on the ice. You can only have so many people in the gym. You got to wear a mask in the gym. But recently, it’s getting a little bit back to where you would like it to be.
I think we’ve been on the ice a couple of times a week for maybe [five or six weeks] now. We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, so we’re trying not to skate too much, trying not to skate not enough.
SP: Speaking of getting with people on the ice, I see you’re taking part in Dawg Bowl X. Why is this an important cause for you? Also, who else is on your team, besides your buddy Troy Terry?
DG: There’s a couple guys, Will Butcher, a few other pro guys, guys we played with at DU.
It’s a fun thing. It’s more ice. At the same time, it’s giving back to charity. It’s something we like to do whenever we’re around in the summer, help out.
SP: Will this be the closest to game action that you’ve been in for a while?
DG: Yeah. Absolutely. If it does happen, it’ll be the first [game in a while].
SP: Shifting gears, you’ve played twice for Jim Montgomery, for the USHL’s Dubuque then at Denver University. What was he like as a coach?
DG: He’s got a great hockey mind. I think he just understands the game really well. He’s able to connect with his players. When I was younger, he kind of saw what I could do, put that trust in me and the confidence. He gives you all the opportunities that he can to help you be successful. He’s a player’s coach.
SP: His recovery seems to be going well. I take it he’s somebody that you have full confidence in as a coach?
DG: Oh yeah, he’s too good a coach to not be a head coach again.
SP: Okay, I know you’ve gotten into golf relatively recently. What’s your handicap?
DG: I am a 12. So I’m chipping away, trying to get that down.
SP: That’s not too bad. I was led to believe it was much worse.
DG: Oh no! Where did you hear that??
SP: Can’t give up my sources!
DG: Oh, gosh. I’ve been working at it.
SP: I’m glad you cleared that up. So who’s the best golfer on the Sharks now? I know it was Joe Pavelski before.
DG: It’s probably Joner. I’ve heard he’s really good. Kaner and Karlsson are good too.
SP: Erik or Melker?
DG: Erik. That’s what I’ve heard.
SP: Who are the Sharks that you usually can beat at golf?
DG: Oh, I don’t know. (laughs) I went with my roommates a lot last season. Nick DeSimone and Jake Middleton. We’re all pretty even.
SP: Oh, so you’re not going to sewer anybody, you’re a good teammate….
DG: No, not like I got sewered… (laughs)
SP: Also, there was a cool story from a couple weeks ago, 23-year-old Jared McCann says his linemate Patrick Marleau gave him a signed puck when he was 12. Growing up, who was your favorite Sharks player?
DG: Probably Jumbo, to be honest with you. Jumbo or Patty.
SP: That is a very diplomatic answer!
DG: Exactly. (laughs)
SP: Finally, you’re a Washington native. Have to ask you, do you like the Kraken as a team name?
DG: I like it! I thought there were a few good options, but the Kraken was definitely my favorite. I’m glad they chose that!