Dahler: How did the experience you gained in last year’s playoffs help you prepare for this one?
Bush: We had a core group last year and we all wanted to come back after losing in the second round last year. I think we all thought we had a lot of unfinished business and wanted to come back as a team. Last year’s playoff games were definitely important and gave us experience and really helped us get through this playoffs.
Dahler: Did this season feel a little different for you since you were drafted by the Panthers?
Bush: Last year’s draft was pretty great, and he was drafted by such a winning organization. A lot of the Florida Panthers staff talked to me throughout the season, which really helped and motivated me.
Dahler: What was the biggest lesson you learned from the rookie showcase and training camp that helped shape your approach this season?
Bush: The main thing I thought about from the showcase and training camp is how much the older guys and everyone takes care of their bodies. When you’re a professional, you feel like you have to treat your body the right way. It’s just making sure you’re doing recovery sessions, eating good food, making sure you’re doing the right things, making sure you have the right habits.
Dahler: How excited are you to return to South Florida for another camp later this summer?
Bush: I’m very excited. It should be so much fun and I love it in Florida. The weather is so nice, the facilities and everything is so nice and the people are even more amazing. I’m very excited.
Dahler: You’re planning on going to Penn State next year. What are you most excited about for your next chapter? How do you think the WHL has prepared you for the college game?
Bush: I think the WHL is very helpful. It’s a fast-paced league like college. I’m excited to move up another level in the league and play with older, faster, stronger, bigger guys, and I’m really excited to go to Penn State. It’s a hell of a program, obviously with really good facilities, rinks, great coaches and some of the best players I’ve ever seen. Next season should be a lot of fun.
memorial cup schedule
Round Robin – Game 1 – Friday, May 22 – Kitchener vs. Kelowna (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
Round Robin – Game 2 – Saturday, May 23 – Everett vs. Chicoutimi (9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT)
Round Robin – Game 3 – Sunday, May 24 – Kelowna vs. Chicoutimi (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
Round Robin – Game 4 – Monday, May 25th – Everett vs. Kitchener (9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT)
Round Robin – Game 5 – Tuesday, May 26 – Chicoutimi vs. Kitchener (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
Round Robin – Game 6 – Wednesday, May 27 – Kelowna vs. Everett (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
Tiebreaker (*if required) – Thursday, May 28th (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT)
Semi-Finals – Friday, May 29th (9pm ET/6pm PT)
Championship Finals – Sunday, May 31st (7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT)
