Preflight Briefings- Ian McLoughlin

Seven points in 17 games may not seem like something to go crazy about, but Aces defenseman Ian McLoughlin’s game is more about desire than numbers. Originally one of the team’s extra forwards when the season began, McLoughlin filled in on defense after injuries to Mike Richards and Dan Rohanna and hasn’t look back since. Now a dependable two-way defenseman with enough speed to make opposing teams think twice about taking chances with the puck in the offensive zone, McLoughlin has filled a niche for Brooklyn and is quickly earning rave reviews from his teammates and coaches.

Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn during the team’s last homestand, McLoughlin talks about making the change to defense and some of the blueliners he tries to emulate when on the ice.

Aces Over Brooklyn: After a few injuries, you were moved to the blueline. Knowing that you were originally slated on the roster as a forward, how do you think you’ve handled the move?

Ian McLoughlin: I can pretty much play anywhere and I played back there a lot when I was little, so it’s brought back a lot of great memories for me. It was rough at first, but it hasn’t been too much of an adjustment now.

AOB: Is there a defenseman that you grew up idolizing and admiring?

McLoughlin: Brian Leetch. I’m a huge Ranger fan, so it’s a pretty natural thing.

AOB: You’re starting to look very comfortable back there, but you’ve basically been forced to play defense to help the team while it dealt with injuries. Knowing that, is the position starting to grow on you? Do you like to play defense?

McLoughlin: Actually, yes, I like playing it more than forward right now. It makes me use so much more of my mind when I’m on the ice. It’s a challenge, but a fun and worthy one.

AOB: So you think the change has been more of a mental one than anything else?

McLoughlin: Yeah, especially when you consider that I still play forward from time to time. I have to constantly switch mindsets during the game. But like I said, it’s a lot of fun. I like having this type of responsibility.

AOB: Even though your new to the position, do you think that there’s a defenseman in the NHL that people may think you’re comparable to or play a similar game as?

McLoughlin: I don’t know if I’m comparable to him, but my favorite defenseman right now is Kris Letang on the Penguins. He’s a good skater and can move the puck. That’s what I’m always focusing on doing when I’m on the ice.

AOB: If you met a fan on the street and they asked you to describe your game in a sentence, what would you say?

McLoughlin: I’m usually a finesse forward, so I think my speed is my biggest asset. My game is all about my speed.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr. and Ron Hatcher.

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