Della Rovere: "You have to play on the edge, but you can't go over it"

by Stephen Pepper on Jan 21, 2010 1:00 PM EST

Selected by the Washington Capitals at the tail end of the 2008 draft in Ottawa (204th overall to be exact), and developing into a real agitator with leadership qualities, and a bit of a scoring touch, winger Stefan Della Rovere may have been the last of the unplucked gems that summer, plucked by GM George McPhee and staff.

We've been following the prospect since just after he was drafted, and last season "Captain Colt" scored 27 goals and 51 points in 57 OHL contests with the Barrie Colts, tallied 146 PIM and scrapped a bunch along the way and, in between all of that, helped win a gold medal for Team Canada at the World Juniors in 2009.

This season, he's continued to develop the modern grinder's game with Barrie, and scored three goals and added three assists for Team Canada in the 2010 WJC tournament, as an alternate captain. And most importantly, he's brought more discipline to his game.

Getting back into professional action seems almost certain for Delly, signed to a three-year entry level deal with the Caps back in April of 2009. Here's hoping that he becomes a fixture and a fan favorite in D.C. in the foreseeable future.

But there's a ways to go yet.

We chatted with the feisty winger by phone yesterday, from somewhere near the shores of Lake Simcoe. SDR talks about the WJCs, his season thus far, his increased leadership role, playing on the edge (but not over it), L'affaire Patrice Cormier, the recent Alex Ovechkin-Steve Downie-Matt Bradley altercation, and what he needs to do to stick at the next level.

Japers' Rink: Let me get the painful stuff out of the way first -- does it lessen the blow at all to know that the guy that beat you in Saskatchewan might be your teammate in the not-too-distant future, John Carlson?

Stefan Della Rovere: [Laughs] Ah yeah, you know, we had some heated battles throughout the game. Both games, actually. He played a great tournament. For him to score that goal, and obviously it was a great goal for the U.S. and, it sucks for Canada -- but especially him scoring that goal -- its kind of . . . it's not the greatest thing for me, now he has a lot of bragging rights, even when he scored that goal [laughs].

JR: For sure. Did you guys do any talking during the [World Junior Championship] tournament, or was it all business?

SDR: It was all business. We were mostly isolated from one other. Team Canada was in and out of the rink, and there was not much talking to the other team. I really didn't have a chance to see him, other than on the ice.

JR: Now, just getting back to the beginning of this season for you: what were your goals, and where do you think you are as far as meeting them?

SDR: I just want to have a better season than last year. I started off real slow. I came into the season recovering from a concussion, so I started off the season real slow.

But, it was a lot different than last year, because last year I was always the go-to guy and this year we brought in a lot of offense and we have a deep, deep team. So, I have more of a defensive role and more of just a grinding role rather than always trying to put the puck in the net. I still try to do that, but at the same time I have a little different role, because we have so many different goal scorers on our team now.

JR: On the other hand, you have a pretty large leadership role. You're the captain of the team [Barrie] and were an alternate on Canada's WJC team. How have those leadership roles changed your play?

SDR: You know, it hasn't really changed. I was the captain [of Barrie] last year as well. This year, it's a lot easier. We have a mature group of guys in the room, so it makes my life a lot easier. We're all on the same page, and no one's off doing their own thing. It's a lot easier this year than last year, I'd say.

JR: Now I know that you have a reputation for being an agitator, a grinder, but someone with a lot a discipline -- or at least you've been developing that recently -- what's been the secret of your success of walking that fine line between being feisty but not going overboard?

SDR: I learned a lot from last year playing at the World Juniors for Team Canada. How playing a little too much over the edge can cost the team sometimes.

Pat Quinn [Canadian U-20 head coach in 2009] talked to me about that, how you have to play on the edge, but you can't go over it. And I took that into consideration. And I knew that, if I wanted to play at the next level, I can't be running around like that. I have to have a better head on my shoulders. I think that's the biggest thing. You can't hurt the team.

JR: As far as the Caps' organization, have they been giving you any particular advice as to what to work on in your game to get to the next level?

SDR: My quickness. At the next level, everything's a little quicker. You know, once I start moving, I have good speed. But it's those first three steps that I really have to improve on.

This summer, I had to really focus on my legs, and strengthening them up. That's one of my big concerns for next year.

JR: Are you doing any particular work in skating? How's that going on the ice?

SDR: Oh yeah, I have a power skating coach in the summer. And I usually go there once a week to correct my stride. I'm not really on the ice that much in the summer time. I usually just focus more on strength off the ice. Maybe this year I'll get on the ice a little more.

JR: When you were at the last couple of Caps' camps, development camps and training camp, was there any one that'd you'd say was a mentor to you, who took you under his wing and showed you the ropes and helped you develop?

SDR: It's hard to say. You gotta be with most of the guys, right? At main camp, you gotta meet all of the guys. Brooks Laich, he took me out during development camp. He came down and took a couple of us out for lunch. So, it was a nice gesture of him. He's one of the guys that I've actually got to talk to.

JR: That's great. What current NHL players are you trying to model your game after, and what do you like about them?

SDR: There's so many different guys. I've been saying Sean Avery a lot but I don't want to be that big of a crazy nut off the ice and, like, not that much of the on ice. I just want to really work on my physical game and be able to put the puck in the net as well as a defensive game, as an all-around player.

I'm not sure who I really resemble my game around.

JR: I guess I gotta ask you, and I know you've been asked before -- your reaction to Patrice Cormier's hit. He was one of your teammates. What did you think about it when you saw it, and what do you think about it a few days removed?

SDR: I was shocked. I was actually able to speak to him after the hit. The next day, I called him. He was obviously really upset. He didn't intend to injure [Quebec Remparts D Mikael Tam] like he did. I know him from Team Canada, and he's a humble guy off the ice and a great individual.

I knew what he was going through. Incidents like that could occur to anyone and, unfortunately, he got the elbow up, and it was just a bad bounce overall.

[Ed. note: The Q will release its "disciplinary measures" for Cormier early next week.]

JR: Here at the NHL level -- I don't know if you'd followed it -- last week, the Caps were in Tampa, and Alex Ovechkin and Steve Downie were about to square off, and Matt Bradley jumped in and took the fight with Steve Downie. Did you see that?

SDR: [Laughts] Yeah I saw that!

JR: What were your thoughts about that? Was that something that you could see yourself doing?

SDR: Yeah, you know, I'm not scared to drop the gloves at all. I'm willing to fight for a teammate or something like that.

I thought that was pretty neat. Him coming to fight for Ovechkin. But, no, I saw Ovechkin -- he drops his gloves and he's ready to go, right? I actually don't know what I'd do in that situation. But Bradley coming in to step in for one of the star players on the team is a great thing.

JR: Yeah, there's sort of a back-and-forth debate, right? Because on the one hand you have some people thinking that Ovechkin should have fought his own battle, and then on the other, you think that Bradley is the hero for sticking up for his captain. Do you fall one way or the other?

SDR: I could go both ways. Bradley's sticking up for his captain. But, Ovechkin drops his gloves, right, and was ready to go and, so, I'm not too sure how I would follow that, really. Bradley's role on that team is to play that agitator role as well, so for him coming in to fight -- I think he's just doing his job.

Tweet Comment 86 comments | 9 recs |

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Comments

Those Barrie unis are sharp.

IS KEPTIN NOW

by EmilyB on Jan 21, 2010 1:03 PM EST reply actions

You must like the dark Florida Panthers sweater as well, I take it?

by Stephen Pepper on Jan 21, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

I was more looking at the 2 inch gap between the back of his ankle and the skate back.

I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.

by zephyr on Jan 21, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

No kidding. Protect yo tendons!

by grapejoos on Jan 21, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

I saw that, kinda normal for how his leg is positioned and how he’s wearing his sock. You can tell he’s almost definitely skating barefoot in those skates though. I was never a fan of that.

Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.

by Rob Parker on Jan 21, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

lol but Bobby Orr did it lol

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

It always made my feet feel gross if the skates were wet, and was too much friction and blistered me if my skates were dry. I were real thin liner socks but could never get comfortable bare foot.

Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.

by Rob Parker on Jan 21, 2010 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Never tried it, never will. Took me many years to wear shinpads right against my leg, even.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah at this point there is no sense trying to change. I did all that no-sock craziness in junior high or something.

Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.

by Rob Parker on Jan 21, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Not particularly. It’s the Panthers, after all. But the dark sweater with the yellow piping and the yellow C outlined in red looks good, and Delly wears it well. I’m sure he’ll look great in Caps red with a number other than 19 on his sleeve.

IS KEPTIN NOW

by EmilyB on Jan 21, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions

Their logo is brutally awful.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

SP, you’re a legend. great work!

by Natty Bumppo on Jan 21, 2010 1:06 PM EST reply actions

Here here! I love these interviews.

I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.

by zephyr on Jan 21, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions

Agree, it’s great to read about our prospects! Thanks!

by bigeugene on Jan 21, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

I too will join in on this love fest

Don't vorry. Zat's just ze power of ze arts!

by dgreen on Jan 21, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions

Fourth’d

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

Mr. Pepper, you always find ways to sneak music references into your posts!

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Jan 21, 2010 1:08 PM EST reply actions

An SDR article on a Pens vs Caps gameday. So this is what nirvana feels like.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 1:10 PM EST reply actions

It’s almost too much…like eating rich food.

by bigeugene on Jan 21, 2010 1:12 PM EST up reply actions

It’s an information overload

…This is a Loathsome, offensive post, Yet i can’t look away.

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not sure who I really resemble my game around.

i resemble that remark!

by Natty Bumppo on Jan 21, 2010 1:15 PM EST reply actions

Love that SBN gets some media leverage, this is great stuff.

"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."

by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 1:25 PM EST reply actions

We gots juice.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Jan 21, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions

Juice yes, Juice’s paycheck? Not so much.

"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."

by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

So, you lika the juice, ay? The juice is a veddy niice.

"More Gary Thorne, please."

by ZamMan on Jan 21, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions

hahaha

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Jurcina’s back? Is he the enforcer of the JRink?

"...I got the most gentlemanly player in junior my last year. I'm a gentleman, always a gentleman." - Matt Bradley, 1/20/10

by bigity b on Jan 21, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

I like SDR, but I can’t help but see his name and think of Stella D’Oro breadsticks.

I have a C on my heart.

by boutros23 on Jan 21, 2010 1:40 PM EST reply actions

And I can’t think of Stella D’Oro without thinking of Patton Oswalt.

Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst

by Killer_Carlson on Jan 21, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah, my brain makes that link too.

I have a C on my heart.

by boutros23 on Jan 21, 2010 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

Just call him “Breadsticks” then.

by bigeugene on Jan 21, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

They’re going to love this guy in SC/Hershey next year.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 21, 2010 1:46 PM EST reply actions

I’d be shocked if he ended up in SC next year.

This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...

by D'ohboy on Jan 21, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 1:56 PM EST up reply actions

I endorse the non-use of an image post title in this case.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Love your avatar, btw, never noticed it. Dr. Dubersteen. Haha

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

Everything taste like peaches.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

It’s once every 13 years… You gotta… recharge your mitzvah, so you always keep your mitzvah kinda full!

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

Compassity…. Cu..Capacity!

Danny Dubersteen good at two things, and that math, and f*ckin!

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

Found it, fantasic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAl__7ia1xg&feature=youtube_gdata

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

If you take off that hat, you will fuckin DIE.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions

Best. iPhone app. Ever.

"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."

by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Should i get it? It’s 1.99 right?

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

Nope, $2.99 (and no movie quotes). Regardless, hearing Samuel L. Jackson yeehaw before saying “Cowboy Up, Muhvuggahs!” is worth it for that alone.

"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."

by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

hahaha.

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

I’ll always rec these interviews. Keep ’em coming!

"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."

by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 21, 2010 1:51 PM EST reply actions

Sean Avery minus the off-ice B.S.?

i’ll take it

by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 1:57 PM EST reply actions

Avery minus the off-ice BS and minus the on-ice semi-regular cranial vapor lock.

And yes, I’ll take it. Providing he can skate, defend, forecheck…you know, actually play hockey.

We’ll see.

He’s got a chance, though.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Jan 21, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

I love this kid.

I think I’m the leader of the SDR lobby!

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:06 PM EST reply actions

Can i haz join, plz?

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Well duh

Our lobby is still in it’s infancy, so we’re still accepting members.

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

YAYZ!

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

I think I’m one of the the leaders of the SDR lobby!

corrected

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

Oh fine, but I’ll take solace being the founding member.

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Funny I don’t recall seeing you at the June 21, 2008 introductory meeting.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Is this going to cause schism? I don’t think our tiny little lobby could handle it.

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

Now now boys, am i gonna have to turn this car around!?!!?

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

Boys?!?

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

You know what i mean.

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

You mean you aren’t actually Robert Plant?

"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."

by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 21, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

You arent a weird jersey?

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not Danny Duberstein?

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

I actually am the act of Alex Semin playing bongos Marc Staal.

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

Do you just shout “FINISH HIM” wherever you go?

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

I want my own health bar.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

If you were the real Dubersteen, you’d be at 0.

eeeeeeeesh… too soon?

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

hahaha.. nice.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

…no

FINISH HIM!!!!

I don't know shit about baseball.

by oVecKid on Jan 21, 2010 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

My avatar could take care of that for you.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Might be a reason leadership comes naturally to Delly. He looks to have some fairly interesting ancestors.

IS KEPTIN NOW

by EmilyB on Jan 21, 2010 2:49 PM EST reply actions

He’s The Pope from now on.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

Il Papa!

IS KEPTIN NOW

by EmilyB on Jan 21, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

Someone with skillz should add him in there.

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

weird

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs

next step: adding him to the family tree below.

by Natty Bumppo on Jan 21, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

project for another day

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of families – How is the Rink glossary/dictionary/encyclopedia project coming?

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

:*( i have elaborate notes, but nothing concrete. still working on a paper in between vacations.

by Natty Bumppo on Jan 21, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

Let me know if you need any help. I’m stuck with more free time than I care to have at the moment.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Jan 21, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

Nice, it even sounds legit.

I wonder how long the wiki-nazi’s will let it stand?

Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.

by Ovechwin on Jan 21, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

I’m a good writer.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Beauty. Rec’d!

IS KEPTIN NOW

by EmilyB on Jan 21, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

sweet coat of arms

can also be found on the walls of the Palazzo della Cancelleria:

by Natty Bumppo on Jan 21, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

Remarkably awesome.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Jan 21, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Before they put an end to priest marriage. So, the Caps have a relative to former popes in the lineup. While my daughter swam high school swim with a relative of the Borgias.

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Jan 21, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

Awesome stuff, SP. Can’t say I’m shocked that he supports Cormier, but I can’t deny that I want someone to call for his head. I think it’s great that SDR is playing more of a defensive role in Barrie because he’s surely not going to be a headline goal scorer in the NHL.

So, I have more of a defensive role and more of just a grinding role rather than always trying to put the puck in the net. I still try to do that, but at the same time I have a little different role, because we have so many different goal scorers on our team now.

That sounds exactly like what he had to do for Team Canada (though he still found the net) and is exactly what he’ll be doing in HER and DC.

Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.

by Rob Parker on Jan 21, 2010 3:42 PM EST reply actions

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