MINNESOTA MAVERICKS
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Alumni Interview - '94 Willem Nong-Lambert
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With the USHL season starting this weekend, first year Green Bay Gamblers forward Willem Nong-Lambert can't wait to get started. Last year Willem impressed scouts with a successful year playing for Russell Stover's Midget AAA team where he put up 15 goals and 27 assists in just 40 games. During the 2011-2012 season he was called up to play for the Topeka Roadrunners of the NAHL where in just 4 games he put up three points and showed that he was ready for the Junior A level. Now, Willem is heading into first full season of junior hockey and at the tier 1 level he hopes to continue his success and show college scouts he is ready to take the next step.
What was the hardest part about making the jump to the USHL?
For the first couple of games, the speed is the biggest adjustment. The time you have to make decisions is a lot smaller and you need to move the puck quickly or it will be a turn over. After a few games, I started to settle down though and started playing with confidence to make the plays I know that I can make.
You left home in High School to play AAA hockey, what pushed you to make that decision?
During my sophomore year, I realized that if I wanted to get myself to my full potential I needed to challenge myself with the best competition possible. I wanted to be pushed to make myself the best player I could possibly be.
If you had to compare your style of play with an NHL player ,who would it be and why?
I would have to say a player like Vincent Lecavalier for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a bigger bodied forward with good hands and great in the offensive zone. I like to have the puck on my stick but I am not afraid to play physical in tough situations and Lecavalier is one of those types of power forwards I like to style my game after.
You come from a town not known for its hockey, what would you say to kids that might come from a non-hockey town that want to make it in hockey?
If you are good enough and you want it enough you will get noticed. Just keep pushing yourself, work hard and stay 100% committed to your dream. There are sacrifices that are needed to play this game but if you want it bad enough you will make them in order to pursue the dream.
How have the Mavericks helped you get to where you are today?
I got to experience playing against top competition and learned how to play with other good players. I also got to experience professional coaches and how to play for coaches that know how to push you and expect the best out of you at all times. It really completed myself as a player. Coming from travel hockey I got to experience AAA hockey and I made big steps every summer I played.
With a long USHL season up coming, Willem hopes to stay consistent and help his team to a Clark Cup championship. Willem played for the 94 Mavericks team coached by Pat Cullen. You can follow Willem this year at www.ushl.com or www.gamblershockey.com. Make sure to follow the Mavs on Facebook and Twitter @MNMavs.
