Hilbert's Comments on Decision to Pursue Pro Career
7/10/2001 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
On how going pro is more about an opportunity than about money ... "Yes, definitely, that's pretty much hitting the nail on the head. The opportunity is there in Boston and that's what I've been working towards my entire life -- an opportunity to play in the NHL. It's been my lifelong dream. I've sacrificed many things in my life and I think it's time for me to move on and take advantage of this opportunity."
On how he is expected to fit into the Boston Bruins' roster ... "They don't have that much depth at center throughout their entire system. They told me that they need a center and that I have a really good opportunity to make the Boston Bruins. That's a tough opportunity to pass up and it's one I've been working for my entire life, and to have it right in front of me is too hard to pass up."
On how the roster activity of the Boston Bruins may impact his status on the team ... "(Bruins center Jason) Allison has not been signed yet, but they've signed a couple that they would like to play wing instead of center. They see me as a center man, and I see myself as a center man. Here at Michigan I've played right wing and center to accommodate the team. I think that the opportunity is there and they (Bruins) think highly of me and I'm really excited to make the next move. I feel like with my ability I can hopefully make the Boston Bruins."
On how it will be to play with former Detroit Red Wing Martin LaPointe in Boston ... "He's a great hockey player and it would be nice to play with him. I've grown up watching him play with the Detroit Red Wings and he's a great player and it would be really nice to meet him and have the opportunity to play with him."
On what he thinks was the biggest stride he took this past year and what he needs to do in order to prepare for the next level ... "Throughout my entire game, I've gotten better in different areas. I've matured a lot and that's a big part of it. Maturity is a huge part of hockey. Confidence, right now I think my confidence is high and obviously I have a lot of room for improvement, consistency and things like that. I think I have the opportunity to play with the Boston Bruins and I'm going to take advantage of it. I'm going to work as hard as I can and take advantage of this opportunity and not let it go by the wayside."
On what he needs to do to be more consistent in his play ... "I'd say just prepare mentally. In the college game you don't play as many games as you do in pro hockey. You go from playing a good 40 in college to more than 80 games in the pros. I know it's obviously tougher than college hockey because if you have a few bad games then, it's a business, and you aren't going to be playing much. Here at Michigan, no matter what happens, you're going to be playing and I understand that and I know what I'm getting myself into by leaving Michigan. It was a tough decision but I'm glad I made the decision that I did."
On what the draws were to stay at the University of Michigan ... "For me it was more friendships and how close I am with my teammates. That was the hardest part of the decision for me to make. I felt like I was going to stay behind because of my friends, but I'm going to be friends with these guys I've played with for the rest of my life. I've made some of the best friends I could ever make here. That was the reason why I was going to put them in front of my dream that I've worked for my entire life, all 20 years. I felt that was the wrong reason for staying and so I decided that I should go."
On what it means to him to go to the Boston Bruins, an "Original 6" team ... "Well, they appreciate their hockey. There are so many great college teams out there and the Boston Bruins, obviously the town embraces them and it's a great sports town period. It'll be nice to, hopefully, be a part of the city of Boston and the Boston Bruins."
On what his immediate plans are with the Bruins ... "I'm going to go to Boston on Monday (July 16) and be there for a week and work out with their strength coach. I'm just going to play it as it goes after that. I would like to go out there and make sure I'm as ready as possible at the camp and have every opportunity to win a job with the Boston Bruins."
On the most memorable moment at the University of Michigan ... "I'll always remember scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Michigan State at Joe Louis Arena (4-3 win on Jan. 27, 2001). That's a memory I'll have for the rest of my life. It was a great experience to have and I can't even describe it in words when it happened and how close the team came together after that."
Hilbert Decides to Pursue Professional Career (7/9/01)
Contact: Paul Thomas (734) 763-4423
