Justin Kloos starred with Lakeville South and the Gophers men's hockey team before signing with the Wild as a college free agent in March following his final season with the Gophers. Kloos, 23, chatted with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand this past week at the Wild's development camp at Xcel Energy Center:
Q You have more control when you're a college free agent as opposed to getting drafted. What was the thought process with signing with the Wild?
A Ultimately it came down to opportunity. I think I came to a place where they're looking for players who play my style — a smart, versatile game. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute wherever I end up next year and be able to work my way up to my final goal, which is to be in the NHL and an everyday guy.
Q You have a chance to play high school, college and pro all in Minnesota. That doesn't happen all that often. Was that part of the consideration for signing here?
A Ah, maybe a little. But in the end it comes down to opportunities, and they're not going to give me any advantage just because I'm from Minnesota. There are no shortcuts. It's still going to be really tough to make it. I'm looking forward to the competition.
Q How much Wild hockey did you watch growing up?
A Tons. You didn't really watch too many other NHL teams growing up. It was FSN and the Wild. That was what we all did. We would pretend to be Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston. I'm sure most kids my age, Gaborik was the guy. I just pretty much grew up watching the Wild and the Gophers.
Q You got a little taste of pro hockey playing in Iowa with the Wild affiliate after you signed. Was there an eye-opener jumping from college hockey to that level?
