How a player reacts when things aren't necessarily going well says a lot more about their character than how they act when they're at the top of their game. That's why the comments from Bryan Little- the Thrashers' first-round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft- after the Chicago Wolves' loss to Hamilton in the opening game of the AHL's western Conference Final were so refreshing.

Fifteen minutes after just the second professional game of his career Little was grounded.

The first comment out of his mouth when asked about the game wasn't a complaint about his limited ice time or lack of time on the power play. Instead he talked about defensive side of the game.

"Our line had some good shifts and had some bad shifts. I came out a minus one so I'm not to happy about that. I don't like being on the ice when we get scored against."

When was the last time you heard a high draft pick that's supposed to be a future offensive centerpiece talk about defensive responsibility?

As a talented center used to playing top line minutes and accustomed to being the go-to guy on the power play Little could have grumbled about his diminished role. After all- it took him several games just to get in the lineup after he signed try-out contract with the Wolves so he could join them for the playoffs. Bigger egos would have been bruised. Not Little's. He looks at his time with the Wolves (no matter how brief it might be) as a stepping stone and a chance to learn the pro game.

"It's good to experience and I just want to get better each game and be able to contribute something to the team."
 

Asked about the biggest difference between the AHL and OHL, where Bryan Little spent the season with the Barrie Colts he responded that it was all about speed.

"It's a lot faster and a lot quicker. You've go to make decisions quick because every time you have the puck there's a guy on you. You have to be a lot quicker for sure."

Little at last summer's prospect camp in Duluth.

It's no coincidence that at the end of last year's Thrashers Prospect Camp foot speed happened to be one of the things Little was told to work on over the course of the season. By no means is he a slow skater, but every pro player can use an extra step or two.

"They basically just said to get a bit stronger and a bit faster. Obviously to make the jump, things are faster and you have to be as fast as the guys around you. They just said go back to junior and work on the little things like skating and make sure you work hard off the ice too."

How does he fell about how far he has progressed since being drafted 12th overall last June?

"I feel pretty good. I feel a bit quicker and I think I had a pretty good season. Now I'm just looking forward to training this
season. I'll train as hard as I can and come in to camp in shape. I just have to work hard and work at what I'm good at."

Speaking of camp, Little says he's looking forward to getting off to a strong start this year when he shows up for prospect camp in July- especially since he knows what to expect having been through it last year.

"Now that I've got a feel for it I want to go there and do really good. Last year I was kind of tentative and I didn't really know
what to expect and stuff. This year I want to go there and be a really good player."

And having that extra year of experience will make all the difference in the world.

"You know what to expect now and you know how fast it's going to be, so now I know what I need to do in the summer to get to that level."

That will include training back home in Ontario with 2005 Chicago draft pick Evan Brophey. Little has been using the same trainer for four years now, and Brophey is his training partner. The duo works with the brother of a local boxer and Little gives him credit for getting him to where he needs to be.

Where Little will end up in October once prospect camp and Thrashers training camp are in the books is the big question. There's speculation that he could be given a chance to make the big club, but the 19 year-old pivot is trying not to worry about.

"I have to go to camp not thinking about when I'm going to get cut or how long I'm going to be around. I can't worry about it. I've got to go with the attitude to compete and try to earn a spot. If I can make it that's great and if I'm back here then I just have to keep working hard."

Knowing Bob Hartley's approach to the game, that hard work will go a long way. It's probably a good sign that the OHL coaches named him the league's best playmaker, best faceoff man, most dangerous player in the goal area, and- most telling all of all- the OHL's hardest worker. If Bryan Little is any indication the near future is looking good for the Thrashers.