Tavares is ready for a new experience

03 May 2011 | David Schlegel

When John Tavares was sixteen, he scored the most goals in OHL history in one season, a year later he was a star of U20 World Junior championship, he led Team Canada as a captain to the gold medals. Now he is 20 years old and he is at the IIHF World championship for the 2nd time. The No. 1 draft pick from 2009 plays for the New York Islanders.

Last year you made debut at the World Championship in Germany and you scored seven goals. That was a tournament high, are you ready to repeat it?

I think it is possible, but to score goals is not the most important value. I came to Kosice to win the gold medals. If we win, I will not regret if I score no goals.

You are one of the youngest players of the championships. How do you get along with your teammates?

I am still only 20 years old and there are still plenty things which I can learn from such players like Phaneuf, Spezza or Nash. They all are much more experienced. On the other hand, I know my role and I have to be a good addition. We have a very young team but all the players are very good. I hope in our success.

You fought to reach the play-offs, but you did not. Then you received an invitation for the World championship. Did you want to come right away?

I was very disappointed that we did not make the play-offs, but it was another challenge to make success. It was not hard decision for me at all to play for my country. We came to be successful.

In the NHL regular season you scored 29 goals and added 38 assists. Are you satisfied with these numbers?

Of course, I want to get better every year. I am getting new experience with every season and I hope to move forward again in the next season.