Flyers defenseman Spencer Gill and I spoke last season about his goals from training camp and his upcoming season with the QMJHL. Gill was set to play his third season on the Rimouski Oceanic where he had a career high with 35 points with six goals and 29 assists. However, Gill suffered a broken ankle and only was able to complete 51 games and miss the playoffs. The defenseman sat down with me for a followup a year later on his goals, health, and more.
Q&A with Spencer Gill
Q: Not playing in the Memorial Cup with the ankle — talk to me about that. What was it like dealing with that injury?A: The timing of it sucked. It's never fun to get hurt, but I had great care and was able to rehab it and put it in the past now.
Q: I heard you put on some weight — you said you’re playing at 215 now. How did that come about?A: Yeah. Not skating meant I was able to work out a lot — like 16 weeks straight — and it helped me a lot. Obviously it sucks to get hurt, but there were positives to it as well.
Q: Dealing with injury mentally — what was it like not being able to play when you had goals in mind? Did you focus on getting healthy for next season, or take it one day at a time?A: It was a one-day-at-a-time mindset. Through rehab I hoped maybe it was possible to come back, and maybe it wasn't. My thought process was just to do everything I could to give myself the best chance. I know I gave it everything I had to get back, and in the end it just wasn't possible. Some things happen for a reason — I gave it my best through the rehab, and that’s how it turned out.
Q: You still had an impressive season, though. With six goals 29 assists and a career high of 35 points. A: Yeah, we had a great team and a great group. I felt it was a really good season for me. I think I developed my all-around game — both defensively and offensively — and overall I was happy with the season.
Q: At rookie camp, have you had much time to connect with the other prospects off the ice such as Jett Luchanko. Have you been able to see him much?A: Yeah. Through rookie camp he wasn't really able to participate, but back at the hotel we hung out and even played some golf before camp.
Q: Training camp is just a couple days away. What are your goals heading into this upcoming season?A: Trying to give everything I have, show the type of player I am, and see where I stand.
Q: What do you feel about Rick Tocchet now being the head coach of the Flyers?A: I’ve talked to him a little bit — seems like a great coach. I think everyone’s excited to have him here and looking forward to working with him.
Q: Finally — what’s your takeaway from this year's rookie development camp? Any scrimmage, drill, or moment that stood out?A: Honestly, just getting back into games. It was my first game action in about six, seven, eight months. It gave me the confidence that I can still play, and I was just happy to be back out there.
