Chicago Wolves defenseman Joey Keane is the hometown kid making good. Growing up in south suburban Homer Glen, Keane climbed the youth hockey ladder by excelling for such teams as the Chicago Mission.
During his first year as a pro, the versatile blueliner earned a spot on the American Hockey League’s 2020 All-Rookie team. Last year, Keane was an important part of the Wolves’ Central Division champions and also played his first National Hockey League on May 10 for the Carolina Hurricanes.
We caught with Keane as the 22-year-old enjoys the final days of his Chicago summer before heading to Carolina’s development camp.
Q: How has your summer has been going?
A: I’ve just been working out, golfing and spending some time on the lake waterskiing and tubing. I saw Joe Rogan do standup as well, but other than that not a whole lot.
Q: (Teammate) Jamieson Rees got a hole-in-one this summer. Any luck for you?
A: No hole-in-ones. “Reeser” plays with a foot wedge in his bag, so it doesn’t count.
Q: Switching gears to hockey, what’s your training been like this offseason?
A: I’ve been here all summer. There’s a good group of around 10 pros who skate together every week. I’ve been working on my shot, skating and positioning. Pretty much just working on my game as a whole.
Q: This past season you made your NHL debut with Carolina. What goals do you have heading into Carolina’s camp and for this season?
A: I’m just trying to take the next step in my game this year. Hopefully I can see my hard work pay off.
