Every day during the 2008 TELUS Cup, hockeycanada.ca will sit down with the captain of one of the six teams competing for Canada’s National Midget Championship.

Today, we sit down with Cole Harbour McCains captain Daryl Dillman.

What does it mean to be the captain of a team at the National Midget Championship?

It definitely means a lot because on our team we have a lot of great leaders. And for a team to get to the TELUS Cup, it really means a lot because our team has done well.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of your team?

I think one of our strengths is that we roll four lines and we can play guys in almost every situation. We have a really deep bench this year – 20 guys that can come hard every night. We play strong team defence. We keep the shots down. Lately we’ve been playing well defensively. In the playoffs we’ve kept our goals against under two a game. That’s something we’ve improved on.

What was the defining moment for your team so far this season?

We were down three games to two against the (Cape Breton) Tradesmen in our second round series. In Game 6 we came out flying and beat them 7-1 and we haven’t lost a game since.

What is your team’s style of play?

We like to get the puck in deep and get the forecheck going. We like to make the other team go 200 feet to get the goals. We don’t play fancy – we play in your face hockey.

As captain, what do you try to bring to the ice every game?

I just try to bring my all every shift, try to win every battle and give it my all. That’s all you can ask from your players.

Where do you get your leadership skills from?

I think being in the McCain program, I get a lot of it from my coaches. Everyone that comes through this program definitely improves on their leadership skills. I think that’s where a lot of it comes from.

What NHL player do you look up to and why?

Probably Anton Volchenkov, just because he’s willing to do anything to help his team win. Whether it’s jumping in front of a shot or hitting in the corners and getting the puck up to his forwards or pounding the body.

What is your best asset as a player?

I’m not the most skilled guy, but I work hard every time I’m on the ice.

What is your favourite minor hockey memory?

Winning the Nova Scotia league championship with this team, this year. I’ve been striving towards this for years; it’s a dream.

What would winning the TELUS Cup mean to you?

That’s what we’ve been pushing all year to get. It’s a team – it’s not about the individuals, it’s a team. If we win the TELUS Cup, it would just make our careers. There’s a lot of recognition there.

» 2008 TELUS Cup - National Midget Championship