Red Wings prospect Cooper Moore has just embarked upon his freshman season at the University of North Dakota, but the defenseman is currently playing “pod hockey” in Omaha, Nebraska, and he spoke about his experiences “in the pod” with the Grand Forks Herald’s Brad Elliott Schlossman:
Q. How does it feel to be getting in your first college games?
A. It’s pretty awesome. It’s something I’ve always looked forward to and dreamed of doing, so it’s pretty cool to kind of start playing my first games. I think the coaches have done a pretty good job of easing me into it and getting me going and getting my confidence. I’m pretty excited to continue going and playing.
Q. Do you feel more confident yet?
A. Obviously, the first couple games, I’m going to be a little nervous. I’m kind of starting to feel the league out. I think as I keep playing, I’m getting a bit more comfortable and gaining confidence. It’s growing and getting better every game. It’s going to be really important for me.
Q. You carried a puck all the way to the goal line and almost scored Thursday against Minnesota Duluth. What happened on that play?
A. I saw Gavin Hain coming up the wall and I thought I could go back door and find a seam. He made a really good play to me. I tried to cut across the crease and go five-hole. The goalie got his stick on it and made a pretty good play.