After practice, Blake spoke with the media at Invisalign Arena. Here's what he had to say:
On now being a professional athlete: It's pretty crazy to think of it like that. Obviously been here since Sunday, but finally getting to go practice with the team is pretty special. I think I had a little bit of nerves going into it, but I expected that and it's nice to get the first one out of the way.
On scoring in the shootout drill: That was pretty cool. It's a pretty cool thing that they do. I didn't know they did that, but I was little nervous to do it, but luckily it went in.
On if he went to his go-to move: I like to switch it up. I don't really have a go-to move anymore. I used to but I just five-hole on it and I just hoped it went in and fortunately it went in. It was pretty cool, pretty special.
On the advise he got from his dad: He just said to go at it like I was in college still. It's the same thing. Just do what I do and what got me here and not to change it up. He's been preaching that to me ever since I was a little kid and he's taught me everything I know pretty much on the ice.
On being a Hobey Baker finalist: It's pretty special anytime you get to be in the conversation with those names in college hockey, but I got to give credit to the boys there at North Dakota and the coaching staff too because they pushed me every single day the last two years. It's pretty special to even be in the conversation with guys like Cutter Gauthier and [Macklin] Celebrini.
On the biggest areas he developed while in college: Right away they kind of gave me some opportunity. I just tried to focus a lot, especially this year the second half, just on getting that extra work done in the D-zone and that led to more offense. I think I grew a lot in the last two years at North Dakota from doing that.
On his impression of Rod Brind'Amour: He's done a phenomenal job ever since he's been here. Just to be out there today and see how dialed in he is and how he takes everything so seriously and honestly I think that's what makes him such a great coach. You hear all these good things about why he's one of the best coaches in the league and I'm finally getting to see why.
On his decision to sign: A junior year at North Dakota was definitely in the conversation, but after talking to the staff here in Carolina, I just felt it was best for me to take this next step. I'm excited for the future here.
