PB Q & A - JUSTIN DiBENEDETTO: On his pro debut, defying skeptics and what he must improve
We spoke with Islanders prospect Justin DiBenedetto on the eve of Game 4 of the AHL first round matchup between his Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 2008 sixth round pick made his pro debut on Sunday in Bridgeport’s come-from-behind, overtime victory in Pennysylvania. The Sound Tigers trail the series, 2 games to 1. Wednesday’s game is at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport at 7:05 pm.
You made your pro debut on Sunday in Game 3 of an AHL playoff series. What was it like?
It was a bit of a challenge because my last game with Sarnia was three weeks ago. I was a little rusty and I figured my timing might be off. But I worked hard at every practice since joining Bridgeport and did everything I could to be ready if I ever got the call.
Did you learn anything from watching the Bridgeport games?
Definitely. I didn’t miss a second of them. I got to see four - two in Bridgeport the final weekend of the regular season and the first two playoff games at the Coliseum. I was taught our system in practices and in extra sessions with the coaches, but it was really beneficial to see it in action.
How would you rate your pro debut?
Overall it was a good experience. I thought as the game went on, I started to get my timing. I was more comfortable. I don’t think I looked like I didn’t belong. I learned a lot from it.
Late in regulation, you joined a few teammates in a scrum.
You never feel more like you’re officially part of a team than when you’re backing a teammate up, or guys are backing you up. Yeah, that was good.
Is the Islanders/Sound Tigers system one you can thrive in?
I think it definitely plays to my strengths and my offensive ability. The key is to keep your feet moving. As long as I do that consistently, I should be all right.
What did you do on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for Game 4?
Monday was an off-ice day for most of the team, but since I only played Game 3 I skated with all the extras in Shelton. I’m not a regular in the lineup. No idea if I’m back in for Game 4, but I have to approach it like I am. (Assistant coaches) Matt Bertani and Eric Cairns gave us a good workout. Tuesday was a regular practice for everyone. At night, I just lay low, grab some dinner and make it an early one.
Who do they have you rooming with at the team hotel?
Nobody, actually. Everyone’s paired up, and I’m the odd man out. I guess it has its pluses and minuses.
I figured you would have been with (Sarnia teammate) Mark Katic.
Nope. Mark was already in a place with Jason Pitton before I got here.
You came back with another strong season after you were drafted in the sixth round. Your critics thought your production a year ago was a result of playing in Sarnia with Steven Stamkos.
Yeah, I had something to prove. Whenever you play with a guy who becomes the first overall pick, people are going to say your stats are inflated. You can say I had an extra spark, some added motivation this season. I think I kept the doubters a little more quiet.
I thought your entry-level signing might take longer than it did because you were drafted in the sixth round but put up huge numbers in your last year in junior.
I was anxious to get it done. No matter when I was drafted, the Islanders were the team that gave me the chance. It was also the Islanders organization that sent coaches and scouts regularly to Sarnia to pay close attention to me, Kats and Matt Martin. This is a very good situation for me. My goal is to get to the NHL so it pays off for everyone.
What do you think you need to improve to get to the NHL?
Like a lot of players just out of junior, I know I have to get quicker and I have to build strength. It’s on me, with the Islanders guiding my development, to get there.
You seem pretty low-key for someone who just made their professional hockey debut.
No way. It might just seem that way over the phone. To say all this has been exciting would be a major understatement.
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36 Responses to “PB Q & A - JUSTIN DiBENEDETTO: On his pro debut, defying skeptics and what he must improve”
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Great read, CB, thanks. Should you really be blogging this late on a school night?
I look forward to seeing to seeing DiBo develop in Bridgeport next season.
Sounds like a good kid. Hope he get stronger and has a good camp with the Big Club. Hit the weights and learn the system. Good read.
Thats a great picture with Stammer! I admit I have been tough on this kid, IMO he’s a project but he sounds like a great kid and of course I am rooting for him.
I really hope this kid pans out. I really like the fact that he had it in his head he wanted to prove people wrong. He’s definitely motivated. I like reads like this one, CB. Keep up the good work!
Love the read CB, really pulling for this kid to thrive in this organization
I get the impression that this is a great kid, with a great head on his shoulders. I really look forward to watching him progress. Great interview.
i have a good feeling about this kid. With some time in bridgeport I think he can work himself to being an NHL regular.
How can anybody not cheer for this guy? A late round pick that just goes out there and keeps proving the doubters wrong!
All of the Sarnia trio have intersting very different stories. Good stuff.
Good luck DiBo… He looks like a wonderfull pick up by Snow and Co for a six rounder.
Another prospect that seems like they have their head on straight. All these guys are very easy to root for.
I hope we get to see him called up for a few games next year. He sounds like a good guy who can become a solid player.
I like the potential of this kid.
This is the best thing Chris Simon ever did for the Islanders; he landed us a steal in the 6th round. Very good read. I’ll be curious to see how quickly he develops at the Bridge.
If he can play as good as he comes across as a person in this interview - he will find success. Level headed kid. Officially now on my radar screen as a fan - and of course - here’s hoping he is a diamond who slipped through the cracks and both DiBo and the Isles propser as a result.
Everyone loves an underdog. Good questions, by the way CB. Hope DiBo can put one in quickly to build some confidence.
This kids production did not fall off at all after Stamkos went to the NHL.
I said this during the season that Justin will be the best pick of the draft from 2008. Did not be surprised when he either makes the team out of camp or is a mid-season call up.
good stuff chris .
can you dig up some info on David Toews and his impressions of his first season at Dakota ?
DiBo sounds like a solid character. I was fortunate enough to be at the game in Wilkes-Barre where he made his debut. Kid has heart and determinati
on. With some hard work and a year or two at the Bridge, we may have a gem in the maiking. If you’re an Isles fan, you’re also a DiBo fan. Good luck DiBo, see you Friday at the game.
I refuse to get my hopes up about the kid’s potential in the NHL, but he’s clearly a good kid with a great head on his shoulders. I wish him the best and hope to see him in an Isles uniform soon.
Agree with #14. If this kid develops into a solid HNLer then Simon’s trade was good in more ways than one. What’s Dibo’s game anyway speed? shot? anticipation? I’ve never seen him play and would welcome any input from anyone who has.
I love going for the home run in the late rounds, especially with all the early picks. If he beomes a 20 goal man in the NHL -great pick….if he never makes it….it was worth the risk.
DiBo very well could be our Parisi, in due time of course. He’s still young. He knows what he has to do to improve his game and land a spot. I don’t expect him to make a big splash in the playoffs this year. However, I do expect him to train like an animal over the summer, continue to learn the system, and step in next year as a top 6 forward. Time can only tell I guess…..let’s cross our fingers.
I am an islanders fan in New Jersey and I wanted to say to Chris please do not ever stop this blog!! I have never been able to get anything like this story before. I had to go on the discussion board on Newsday or Hockey buzz,to get any Islander news now I feel I can follow my team like every other NY team. Thank You.
Great read. Thanks CB.
Nice article, Chris. Any news on contract negotiations with Matt Martin?
DiBo might turn into 2010 version of David Volek, a few good years with over 20 goals.
Awesome read. Always love pieces like this. Great interview.
This kid and Matt martin, if you are able to sign him are two of the Islanders future. Two diamonds in the rough. Pun intended. These kids are big, strong, fast and have scoring ability. Perfect fit for any NHL team. The Islanders deserve a big job well done, for these picks.
cb great article, and as always you leave us the reader wanting more
I for one am not putting my hopes on Justin that he is going to put numbers in the NHL like he is in Junior, but my gut feeling is he is going to be better than expected. Could he be our next Ray Ferraro just a bit taller?
Good luck DiBo! CB…thanks for the read.
In a way it’s a shame most of these kids never reach the NHL because as a fan you always get attached to following their career and hoping for the best. Just the hard fact of life with all the competition and limited space. DiBo has a good chance of at least getting a taste of the NHL at some point if he works really hard and diversifies his game. Could be a diamond in the rough, only time will tell.
I’d expect the Islanders to send Matt Martin back to the OHL for another season though. It would seem to make more sense from the point of view of managing contracts, prospects, and roster space (throughout the organization). Next year will likely be the make-or-break year for several AHL guys, so unless they decide to dump some of those guys now, they probably won’t bring Martin up from the juniors. DiBo is a year older than Martin, so he was always going to be signed after the season he had. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Martin and also Rhett Rakhshani. If I were in Rakhshani’s shoes, I’d probably want to start my pro career sooner rather than later considering the prospects pipeline.
Dibo is a winner. Ben watching him for five years. This guys is one of the smartest guys on the ice or for that matter on the team. He can flat right out play. Smart with the puck, fast, great shot, no feer, like the front of the net. He is a 40 goal man + in the NHL. Mark my words. Watch this guy, get on his band wagon. He is off the ice one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. A real team player. Likes kids and works with them. An NHL all star in four years. Count on it. I got my money on #9 in Sarnia and #7 at the Bridge. He has got it all.
DiBo looks like he has the make up of a very servicable career multi-role player … I hope he fullfills that potential … that key trait of his character that loves proving naysayers wrong is fantastic… Look forward to his continued development. He can become a key component of a tough competitive Islander team.