His own worst enemy

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This article was published 24/09/2023 (743 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Neal Pionk has identified an issue that requires some attention and he’s working hard to correct — or at least, improve.

In the same breath, the Winnipeg Jets defenceman is quick to admit that it’s very much a work in progress.

“I have a bad tendency of beating myself up. It’s terrible. It’s something that I’ve talked with psychologists before,” said Pionk. “You go through the year and I will only remember the turnovers. Somebody will say ‘nice play’ and I’ll go ‘what are you talking about? What about that turnover in the second period?’ It’s a horrible tendency.

“So, this summer I really tried to think about what I did well last year? What were you really good at? I tried to carry that momentum into this training camp.”

The aforementioned issue is something Pionk has dealt with for a number of years and while he’s been making some inroads, the inability to let a mistake go after dealing with it isn’t something that comes naturally for him.

“It’s a fine line to walk. If I think of something negative, instead of letting it snowball — say you turned a puck over or you missed a check — think of one negative and then, think of a positive,” said Pionk. “And you know what, there might be more negatives than positives in one game, but when you play good, think of all the positives over the negatives.

“It’s a balancing act and yes, you have to correct yourself and you have to hold yourself to a high standard. But I have a bad habit of beating myself up and I still kind of do. But it’s been better since I’ve gotten into pro (hockey) more.”

Part of that is related to the mentality that has allowed him to go from being an undrafted college free agent to a Top-4 blue-liner in the NHL.

“For me, am I a good skill player? Yes, but I don’t have a top tier skill set. I know that,” said Pionk. “So I have to play hard. That’s the way I’ve always been wired. If you ask my coach when I was 10 years old to describe me, it would have been that this guy is a little out of control, but it’s a good thing. I’ve always carried that and I have to keep carrying that. I truly believe that’s the reason why I’m here.”

Pionk chuckles as he discusses what will be his fifth training camp with the Jets.

In some ways, it’s hard to believe that Pionk joined the organization in the summer of 2019 in the blockbuster deal with the New York Rangers for Jacob Trouba.

“Becoming an older guy now, which is weird to say, I’m trying to step into that mentorship role, where it’s building a bridge between our newest draft pick and the newest guy on the team,” said Pionk. “I feel like I have a good feel for that and a good grasp for that.

“I’ll never forget my first training camp (with the New York Rangers), with Kevin Shattenkirk and Rick Nash. They went out of their way to talk to me at the time. I got back to my hotel and (wondered), why would they do that? Why would Rick Nash come to me and ask me questions? Same with Shattenkirk. They were great guys, great human beings. So I tried to carry that forward. Let a young guy know your name and say that if you have a question, just come talk to me.”

A lot has happened to Pionk since that time as he made an immediate impact in his first season, then made headlines for his ability to frustrate Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid during the opening round North Division playoff series, one the Jets swept in four games.

Pionk, now 28, signed a four-year contract extension in the summer of 2021 that was worth US$23.5 and carries an average annual value of US5.85 million.

The past two seasons haven’t always gone as smoothly as those first two after the trade, but Pionk insists that has nothing to do with trying to live up to the contract he received.

“The number is the number. That’s the business side of things. I try to play the same way every single time,” said Pionk. “Regardless of what that number is, I will try to make as many plays as I can, block as many shots as I can, throw as many checks as I can.

“For me, I’m trying to build on those things too and keep a positive mindset.”

Pionk applies the same approach when asked about the preparation process for a training camp that includes a number of players trying to push their way up the depth chart, especially on defence.

“You’ve got to find ways to push yourself,” said Pionk, who led the Jets in playoff scoring with seven assists in five games against the Vegas Golden Knights. “I know it’s cliche but guys are so good now, they’re going to pass you. If you think you can take the summer off, guess what? A prospect is going to pass you or the new acquisition is going to pass you.

“Obviously, you come into training camp like you’re on a PTO (pro tryout offer) with something to prove. Play defence like you’re on a PTO, but have that confidence like you’re the best player in the world. Have that mentality and the (rest) will come into place.”

Despite the uneven stretches Pionk endured last season, the 10 goals he scored eclipsed his previous career high by four and the 33 points he accumulated was the third highest total in his six NHL seasons.

Pionk’s performance isn’t merely defined by the stats sheet though.

That’s only part of the equation.

“He’s a hard worker and he comes from a hard-working family,” said Jets defenceman Dylan Samberg, who has been paired with Pionk since the start of training camp and also hails from the same hometown, Hermantown, Minn. “He loves to compete and he loves to battle. He’s not a big guy, but he leaves it all out there.”

Make no mistake, the Jets are counting on Pionk to be on top of his game this season.

“Listen, Neal is an important part of this team,” said Jets head coach Rick Bowness, noting he spoke with Pionk about his importance on Sunday morning. “He’s fearless. He sticks his nose in there. He’s an aggressive player, that’s what he brings. I love that about him.

“He’s just got to be more consistent. He does a lot of good things. We need to see it on a consistent basis. He’s a really good player, a really good voice and leader in the room and we’re going to get more out of him this year.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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