We recently caught up with Anthony Mantha of the Detroit Red Wings. Before the Red Wings, Mantha was a forward with the Val D’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL. Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings 20th overall in 2013, he’s an amazing players fans should be excited about. Cool fact, his grandfather is Andre Pronovost, who played 8 years in the NHL including 2 and a half years with the Detroit Red Wings. You can follow him on Twitter: @Antomantha8! You can follow me on Twitter: @HkyBlogger, and “like” us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/notyouraveragehockeyblog

As per usual, we are in bold.

How has your day been?

Today was travel day from New Jersey to my home so it wasn’t the best day if I could say!

So what’s a normal day like in the life of Anthony Mantha?

Training everyday then take time with girlfriend and friends and play a lot of golf!

What’s something people don’t know about you?

Okay! Um that I love playing lots of other sports! But mostly golf!

So on to the hockey side of things, in your first full year at Val D’Or, you had 51 points in 63 games, but in your second year, you had 67 points in 89 games. What did you do differently between the two years for the better results?

My confidence level was better!

Was there something or someone you credit with improving your confidence?

Just the way I finished my year last year was the big part of it! But starting the year at 198 lbs. was good for me also.

Is there a moment during the time at Val D’Or that stood out for you?

December two years ago when I scored 2 goals and one in overtime with not even a second left against Québec!

Is there anything you regret from your time at Val D’Or?

Not at all!

If there’s a prospect out there reading this, and is considering playing in the CHL, USHL, or NCAA, what would you say to try and convince them to play in the CHL?

Oh yes for sure I loved my seasons up in Val D’Or and it’s a great league to play in!

During the season, there would always be scouts at your games. How do you keep focused while all these scouts are watching you?

Well I just didn’t think about it and it was all good! So I didn’t put more pressure on myself then I should have!

So you see the general manager of your favourite team watching you. Do you try some fancy things to impress the GM, but maybe screw up a few times, or do you stick to the basics, but possibly not stand out?

Basic things because that’s why he’s here in the first place watching me! And when I do basic things it often comes out good!

Tell me about the fans, what makes Val D’Or so much different than everywhere else?

Well it’s a small town where we don’t have that many fans but when we perform well they’re really in to it!

If you were to stay with the Detroit Red Wings, what’s one thing you’ll miss about the city of Val D’Or?

Probably my billet family!!

So on to the NHL Draft, what was that like? Can you tell us your feelings when you got on to the stage?

Um just too excited! Stress goes away and the fun started to take over!

When you walked up to the stage, what was the first thought that popped into your mind?

It’s now! My dream is happening!

Highlight of your career?

Game vs. Québec 2 years ago (talked about it before) where I scored 2 goals and the last one in OT! With 1 second left!

Lowlight of your career?

When I wasn’t able to make the Midget AAA the first year and played Midget Espoir at the age of 15!

How did you persevere from this lowpoint?

I had a good year and persevered through that year and still got drafted in the 5th round of Junior but it gave me a chance to continue my dream!

The next portion is a rapid fire round. This is where the reader really learns about you. Ready?

Yes!

Favourite Food?

Homemade pizza

What’s on your iPod right now?

More games than music but any kind of music really

Watch the movie or read the book?

None but Fast and Furious is my favourite movie

if you weren’t playing hockey what would you be aspiring to do when you grow up?

No clue except maybe another sport

Favourite player growing up?

Sidney Crosby

Final questions:

Who should we interview next?

Samuel Morin

What advice would you give to aspiring hockey players?

Never give up because if you think you’re able to get there and you do sacrifices you will get there!!

Thank you for your time, we wish you the best of luck!

Photocreds: Twitter.com/Antomantha8