San Jose Sharks
Exit Interview: Next Step in Ferraro’s Evolution?

Mario Ferraro apologized to the reporters.
At the end of his exit interview on Thursday, Ferraro took a moment to say sorry for a curt response or two after a San Jose Sharks’ loss. No apology, of course, was necessary – he wasn’t ever unusually curt, by any means, and it’s understandable that he’d take a loss a lot harder than we would – but this moment certainly speaks to the sophomore defenseman’s character.
Ferraro spoke at length about what he can improve next year and how honored he is to represent Team Canada during the World Championships.
Mario Ferraro, on his next steps after emerging as a shutdown defenseman this year for the San Jose Sharks:
One of the big things is try not to do too much, sometimes. Be aware of where guys are on the ice. Sometimes I try to get involved in the play or create an offensive chance, and that’s always something I want to do and provide, it’s something I should provide when it’s there.
But I should be aware, at certain times of the game, maybe sometimes in the first period, for example, try let the game come to me a little bit more and make sure everyone’s in front of me know. When you’re playing against top lines, you want to make sure all those guys are in front of you and you’re aware of where they are on the ice. I need to be aware of where my partner is and just stay structured well. Maybe as the game goes on, second, third period, they get a little bit more tired, then maybe the game starts to open up a bit. I can take a couple more chances offensively.
Overall, I just want to be a little bit more patient with the puck offensively and in the neutral zone and try to play north as much as I can, use my skating ability. I think of a lot of things in the offseason where I can improve. But those are some areas that are going to be specific for me.
Ferraro, on representing Team Canada for the first time:
I’m super, super proud and honored for the opportunity I have here. I’ve never played for Team Canada before. So I’m really, really excited. Anytime you get to represent your country is a special thing. It’ll be a great opportunity, I look forward to it. Super excited.
Ferraro, on what he learned this year as the San Jose Sharks’ primary shutdown guy:
I can build on a lot of things that I did this year.
I’m definitely not satisfied. I want to improve on a lot of areas on my game and make the most of the opportunities that I am getting. The more I play, I want to be as effective as I can be out there. But this year I learned a lot about playing against those top lines like the MacKinnon and Rantanen line, and Vegas’ top line.
All the top lines in our [division] were tough to deal with. I was thankful for those opportunities because now I can learn from them and watch video and see where I can improve to be even harder to play against and limit the chances I give up as much as I can.
This kid’s learning curve is spectacular. Shows up from nowhere to become the team’s most reliable D, playing in almost all situations. Compare his attitude (humility, accountability) to our moody marquee D. He’s just a breath of fresh air for this underachieving team.
This. 100% this. On a team with so many guys underperforming relative to their contracts (Except Kane and Couture), it’s so nice to see someone like Ferraro wear his passion on his sleeve. I am excited to see his growth both as a player and leader, and I hope DW can bring in players that share his evident passion and love for the game real soon!
Yea, a breath of fresh air is a great description
already broke his season down in another thread, so i’ll just say: future Captain material!
Agreed!
Future captain. A solid person and leaves it on the ice every game. I can’t say that for all Sharks players. Only two years in, build around Mario. If anyone deserves those crazy contracts Wilson hands out Mario deserves it. For such a young guy, class and great attitude. Love watching him play while EK65 figure skates and Timo shows up half the time. Too bad he wasn’t a goalie!
I remember when Mario was drafted. He has the gift of gab as another great defenseman in teal, Jeff Norton. Go see Norton’s interviews and you’ll see that he’s talk all day if given the chance.
That aside, Ferraro has been a favorite since his draft. He is all heart and motor. To mirror others, he’s a captain in waiting. So happy he pulls on that teal sweater.
Great memory! Gotta see if I can get Norton to reminisce
[…] Mario Ferraro apologized to the reporters. At the end of his exit interview on Thursday, Ferraro took a moment to say sorry for a curt response or two after a San Jose Sharks’ loss. No apology, of course, was necessary – he wasn’t ever unusually curt, by any means, and it’s understandable that he’d take a loss a lot harder than we would – but this moment certainly speaks to the sophomore defenseman’s character. (San Jose Hockey Now) […]
He was in over his head this year as the top pair D against other team/s top lines. He still held his own at times. Can’t wait to see his progression!
[…] San Jose Sharks defenseman talks about why he apologized to the media at the end of last season (43:50), what he tries to avoid on his YouTube channel Youngest of Plugs, […]