Being the grandson of an NHL Hall of Fame goaltender might put a lot of pressure on a young boy, but for Grant Stevenson it was an opportunity to see the game from the inside and how a legend can be respected by so many. Glenn Hall, Stevenson’s grandfather, was a three-time Vezina Trophy winner with the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. When Grant was just a young boy, his grandfather was the goalie coach for the Calgary Flames and it was then that Grant knew he wanted to become a professional player.

In the mid-80’s, kids were growing up idolizing Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, and Dale Hawerchuk, just to name a few. Grant was different though, his grandfather was his role model.

“My grandfather, Glenn Hall, seeing how respected he was by everyone that knew him, Stevenson said, “the success he had made me want to be a pro player.”

After completing a successful Midget season when he was named player of the year for the Spruce Grove Midget AAA team, Stevenson played for Bonnyville of the AJHL in 2000-01. He appeared in eight games recording three goals and 13 assists. Stevenson was recruited by Minnesota State University for the 2001-02 season. His rookie campaign didn’t provide a lot of scoring, but he ranked eighth in the WCHA rookie scoring with eight goals and eight assists in 38 games, winning rookie of the week honors twice.

His sophomore season was a more productive one that saw him tied for the team lead in assists and being named to the NCAA West Second Team. In 38 games during the 2002-03 season, Grant tallied 27 goals and 36 assists.

Grant turned pro the following season and joined the Cleveland Barons for the 2003-04 AHL season. Stevenson went on to spend the next three seasons in Cleveland and in 165 games with the Barons, he totaled 35 goals and 59 assists.

He made his NHL debut on November 23, 2005 against the team he cheered for as a kid, the Calgary Flames. Grant made an immediate impact with his first NHL goal. It was a dream come true for Stevenson.

“I’ll certainly never forget it, it’s what every kid dreams of,” he said. “It was even more special for me cause it was in my first game against Calgary, who I cheered for as a kid.”

He went on to tie a San Jose Sharks rookie record with five power-play goals in 2005-06. The 2007 season saw Grant in Worcester after the San Jose Sharks moved their AHL affiliate to Worcester. In 59 games with Worcester, Grant tallied 14 goals and 25 assists. Grant had now posted 39 points in three of his four professional seasons.

On July 4, 2007, Grant signed a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames; he has played this season with the Quad City Flames. In 65 games, Grant has 26 goals and 38 assists and is fifth in scoring in the AHL.

Interview

I was unable to attend a Quad City game this season, but Grant was nice enough to do an interview through the mail and here it is:

Chris Rahn: You grew up in Spruce Grove, Alberta, were the Flames your favorite team growing up?

Grant Stevenson: I was a Flames fan, but mostly because my grandfather was the goalie coach, and I got to meet a lot of the players and get their autographs, which was a huge thrill for me as a kid. Otherwise, I think I would have been an Oilers fan.

CR: What has been your favorite city to visit on the road?

GS: In the American League, it’s always nice to get a break from the cold winters and play in Texas. There’s a lot to see and so in San Antonio.

CR: This season has been a career year for you for points. Has anything changed over the years to improve your play?

GS: I think this year I’ve just been able to play my game and be offensive. In the past, I focused on the details and trying to limit mistakes, and now I think they’ve become second nature and I just play.

CR: How does it feel to be the fifth leading scorer in the league?

GS: It feels great. I’m fortunate to be playing with some great players, and am expected to put up points and produce in key situations, and that give me more confidence.

Who was your role model growing up?

GS: My grandfather Glenn Hall, seeing how respected he was by everyone that knew him, and the success he had, made me want to be a pro player.

CR: Any superstitions before a game?

GS: Not really, I just have my same routine in getting prepared. Mainly just taping sticks, stretching, and playing soccer. But always at the same time each game, so I know the time and can get ready for the game.

CR: How did it feel to score your first AHL goal?

GS: It was a huge relief; I think it took me 27 games or so. When I finally got it, I relaxed and played a lot better.

CR: How did it feel to score your first NHL goal?

GS: I’ll certainly never forget it. It’s what every kid dreams of, and it was even more special for me cause it was in my first game against Calgary, who I cheered for as a kid.

CR: Any favorite or crazy stories from the road?

GS: We just had a 26 hour bus ride from Manitoba back to the Quad Cities, it’s suppose to take 14 hours, but we had a tire blow in the middle of the night; then had to sit there for six hours for it to be fixed. And then the roads were closed for a few more hours. It was long.

CR: I want to thank you for your time Grant!

GS: No problem, thank you.