Creston Valley Thunder Cats alum Jake Livingstone (2014-17) completed his first pro season in the American Hockey League last year with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals. In 68 regular season games, the Creston Valley native registered 17 points and was plus 17, with 67 shots on goal.
Livingstone caught up with the KIJHL to talk about his rookie pro season and more in this Q&A article.
KIJHL: What was your first pro hockey season like?
JL: It was good. I was pretty fortunate to be in good cities, Nashville and Milwaukee, with great ownership. We had a solid team, which made everything fun.
KIJHL: How was the adjustment to the AHL?
JL: It was good. There are a lot of good hockey players so you figure things out as you go—new systems, new coaches. A group of us have been skating since the summer, even last year, so it takes time to adjust, but it was a positive experience.
KIJHL: Was it a quick transition from college to pro hockey?
JL: Not really. It took time. I got thrown into the deep end coming out of college (Minnesota State Univ. – Mankato), but it was a valuable learning experience. I’m grateful for it and those accomplishments under my belt, and now it’s all about improving. Livingstone played in five NHL games with the Nashville Predators after signing his pro contract. He registered an assist while averaging 15:27 of ice time a game.
KIJHL: How did your NHL experience help with the AHL transition?
JL: It’s good. A lot of it you are building expectations for yourself when you take that jump and then come into the next year and get sent down during camp. You have expectations on what you think should happen and what you’re ready for, right? It’s a different process than most guys. It was unique. I went from college to the NHL, then to the AHL—kind of backward from most guys. I’m proud of the accomplishments and having my family there made it special.
KIJHL: How do you feel you played in your first AHL season?
JL: It was up and down. I had good games and bad ones. I was trying to adjust from playing college hockey, which is 30 games – 42 was our most- to 69 games in the AHL. I was learning a new system and didn’t think I had the year I wanted to, but we had a really good team, and went far, which made the season enjoyable. I wish I could have contributed a little more personally, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.
KIJHL: What was your playoff experience like?
JL: It was cool. I played the first game, then after some players were sent down, I played in the second round and did well, I was pretty happy. At that point, things are set and we are rolling and it was probably going to take a lot for me to play my way into that position, but it was good. Playoffs are always fun, and it was great to be part of it.
KIJHL: What’s your focus for this season?
JL: I want to do my part and take the opportunities I get. When I’m playing at my best, I can really contribute.
KIJHL: You talk about wanting to take on a bit of a bigger role, does that include maybe getting onto the power play or what does that entail?
JL: Probably more penalty-kill minutes. As of right now, that’s kind of the way things have been going. You’ve got to find a role and niche and I think that’s going to be mine. That’s where I think I’m going to find my best opportunity to be part of that. It doesn’t mean I can’t get points, right?
KIJHL: Does playing for your hometown Thunder Cats feel like a long time ago?
JL: Yeah, I was telling Charlie Larson (VP, communications for the Admirals) that it’s probably been about 10 years. It’s been a long lot of time. I grew up with some guys that were on that team and I played with my brother one year for five games. We have Jake Lucchini, he played for Beaver Valley when he was 16 and for the Trail Smoke Eaters and he’s here now. There are a lot of connections from a long time ago, so it’s pretty cool.