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.