PRINCE GEORGE BC – Carter Cochrane is fresh off his rookie season in the BC Hockey League. The 18 year old Victoria native finished with 5 goals and 9 assists. We talked to Carter about what he has been doing during the COVID 19 Pandemic and also reflect on the 2019-20 season in the fourth edition of Spruce Kings Q & A!
Cole Waldie: Carter Cochrane, how have things been for you since the end of the season and what have you been getting up too?
Carter Cochrane: Things have been good. I have been working out at home, and riding the bike or going on runs to stay in shape. I have also been doing a bit of crabbing recently which is new for me.
Cole Waldie: What has this whole self-isolation process been like for you from a workout side of things? What adjustments have you made?
Carter Cochrane: Yeah it has been a tough adjustment trying to workout at home instead of the gym, but I have been making the most of it with what I have access too. I have a spin bike luckily, so I have really been able to keep my cardio up. I have also been doing lots of weights and those kind of things in my basement.
Cole Waldie: Your freshman year is in the books in the BCHL. What did you think of the 2019-20 season?
Carter Cochrane: It was an awesome year to come into the league and I was really happy I could spend my first year with such a great group of guys and a great organization. I couldn’t have asked for a better time and really learned a lot and I think that will help me going into my second year.
Photo: Garrett James
Cole Waldie: After watching your first year, you seem like the type of player that is team first mentality, you will play whatever role you need too, and you’ll even have to drop the mitts if needed. Is this something that you pride yourself on?
Carter Cochrane: I completely agree. I think it is important to have that team first mentality and be willing to do things to help benefit the team. I really just wanted to fill any role I could last year to help the team since I was a rookie and I think that was the biggest thing that helped me not only get better but become a bigger role player in the future. Fighting was something that was new for me, but I knew coming into the league, my competitiveness and grit would bring that out in me. I think it can be good in the right situation and can benefit the team or get a spark going.
Photo: Vicki Brown
Cole Waldie: What has been your favourite part about being a Spruce King thus far?
Carter Cochrane: I think for me, my favourite part was just always being surrounded by such good people and amazing fans. The billets are awesome, and everyone is so supportive. I really only have good things to say about the community. It is truly such a fun place to play and when the rink fills up, the energy is like nothing I have played in front of before, so it has been a lot of fun so far.
Cole Waldie: Is there anything specifically about your game you want to improve for next season?
Carter Cochrane: I’d definitely like to improve my offensive game and try to produce more, but also really focus on things like the penalty kill and become a go to guy that can be relied on in tough situations. Using my speed more to my advantage and being more confident with it is something I think I will bring into my game as well.
Cole Waldie: Lastly, what excites you the most about the upcoming season?
Carter Cochrane: I am really excited to see the returning guys from last year and get back into a regular routine, but I am also really looking forward to meeting all the new guys that we have coming in and start to develop relationships and create some chemistry with the new group. Of course, also, I can’t wait to get back into the rink in front of the awesome fans we have and get back to my amazing billets!
Photo: Vicki Brown
