FlamesNation chats with Mark Jankowski

 

 

Ryan Pike: Considering where you were ranked by a lot of scouting services, were you flattered that the Flames took you as high in the first round (21^st overall) as you went and went after you so hard?

Mark Jankowski: Yeah, definitely. The Flames, their GM and their whole organization, they really had that confidence in me, so that gives me some confidence, too. They really believe that I can be a great player down the road, and I know that, so I’m really happy that they’re the ones that picked me and they have that confidence in me.

RP: Have you thought about where you’re going to play next season or what you’ll take when you eventually get to college?

MJ: I’m still weighing that decision a little bit. I’m leaning towards Dubuque in the USHL, but I’m still not exactly sure of the decision yet. When I go to school I’ll probably take some sort of business, I haven’t picked my decision yet but that’s probably what I’m going to do.

RP: With so many veterans of both the USHL and NCAA at this camp, have you talked to many of them about what to expect in the two leagues?

MJ: Tim Schaller’s my roommate and he’s the captain at Providence. I really talk to him a lot about what Providence is like when I’m lodging with him. Also Jon Gillies the goalie, he’s going to Providence and he was telling me what the USHL is like. I’ve really got it from both perspectives, USHL and college. I’m really fortunate to have these guys here to talk to.

RP: Do you feel any added pressure to perform now that you’re a first round draft pick?

MJ: I really don’t try to listen to my name in media at all. I don’t really try to pay attention to that. But people are Tweeting at me, saying ‘Welcome to the Flames’ and it’s just a great feeling. It’s a great organization, great fans, and I’m really excited to be in Calgary.