Jeremy Rutherford: Ok, we just landed in Detroit. Erik is sitting next to me and we're ready to go.

David D: Erik, thanks for taking time to answer questions. The growth that you have made in your game this year is readily apparent. As you really are not that far removed from your youth hockey days, can you say what was the major area of improvement in your game that elevated you to the top tier at youth level. Did you see major improvements in skating, hands development or just purely in physical growth. Good luck in your career with the Blues, I look forward to you wearing the "C" for the Blues!!!

Jeremy Rutherford: No problem. I would probably say that my skating was the biggest improvement from my youth hockey days to the time leading up to myself being drafted. I became a lot more explosive and powerful in my strides and I think that had a lot to do with the strength training that I had at the US National Team in Ann Arbor.

Tom: Hey Erik,
thanks for doing this. It's really a pleasure watching you play and progress.
I appreciate your hitting, but would like to see a more physical presence in front of the net. And no fights your rookie year? Even Ben Bishop has had a pro fight already. Don't you need to show the league you'll stand up for yourself?

Jeremy Rutherford:
As far as in front of the net, the only physical necessity you need is purely boxing out opposing players. As far as fighting goes, it's something that when it happens, it happens . . . I'm not someone that will go around looking for a fight, but if it comes to standing up for your teammates, or being challenged, then I would definitely be willing.

Eland Siddle: Best experience in St. Louis so far?

Jeremy Rutherford: I would say probably the way the community and fan base has accepted me, and how well I have been treated in St. Louis in general. And being a part of such a great hockey franchise like the Blues.

Adam: Please play for the Blues until you get gray hair and have won many Stanley Cups.

Jeremy Rutherford:
I hope so.