On the opening day of the 2015 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives, Graham Black of the Albany Devils was the first Player Representative to arrive at the meeting room.  With some time to kill before the meetings began, Black sought out a nearby grand piano, and played a near perfect rendition of Mozart’s Sonata No. 11 (Turkish March), wowing his fellow Player Reps who watched in awe as they arrived at the room.

“I started playing piano when I was 6 or 7.  My Mom would sit beside me and we played classical music every day.  And I hated it,” explained Black.  “Finally, when I was 15 I told my parents I was quitting piano, but after a year of not playing I missed it so much.  Now I play for my own enjoyment.  It’s a complete release from the tensions of playing hockey.  I’m in a different world when I’m playing piano or guitar and I use it as a tool for my success.  In junior, I’d sometimes bring a guitar to team parties and the guys would sing along.  Now when we’re on the road, a lot of the hotels we stay at have grand pianos in the lobby.  I never pass up an opportunity play a grand piano.”

His musical talent aside, Black’s ambition to take on the important role as a PHPA Player Representative following only his first season in the American Hockey League speaks volumes to the leadership capabilities demonstrated by the 22-year old, who only 2 years ago captained the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League; a team which featured the likes of top NHL prospects Julius Honka, Jake DeBrusk, and Dillon Heatherington among others.   

“It was nice to be in a position of leadership and have the respect of the team.  As an older guy, I remembered what it was like to be a younger guy on the team.  The opportunity to help the younger guys both on and off the ice is rewarding for me.  Being Captain of that team was a great experience which helped me grow as a person off the ice.”

Following his first full year of Junior where the 6’0 center registered 50 points in 71 games, Black was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

“The Devils, to me, are an amazing organization.  Once I was drafted they told me what they expect from me in terms of off ice behavior and use of social media, but most important, to compete each and every night.  They want you to take care of yourself.  You were drafted for a reason.  Someone in the organization liked you, and you don’t want to let them down.”

Black lead the Broncos in scoring during his third and final year of Junior with an impressive 97 points in 69 games, finishing eighth overall in league scoring, and earning him a recall to Albany at the tail end of that 2013-14 season.

Last season was Black’s first full year in the AHL, and although he incurred some injuries, still posted a respectable 14 points in 46 games including a +/- of plus 9.

“The transition from Junior to pro was a big change.  I’ve always prided myself on my speed and ability to find open ice.  The space you had on the ice in junior is no longer there. I had to change my game to be successful.  I ran into some injuries during the year, so I’ve worked hard this off-season to help make my body more sustainable for the season.”

During this past off-season, not only did Black work on the physical aspects of his game, he also strived to improve how he deals with the mental fatigue that can plague players over the course of a grueling schedule.

“I have very high expectations for myself.  I’ve been working hard to improve all aspects of my game including mental toughness.  It can be a really hard schedule at times.  It’s easy to spiral out of control, so I think it’s important that as teammates, we are there for one another and have each other’s backs.  In Albany this past year our Captain Rod Pelley really helped me out when I experienced some health issues.  I want to keep growing as a person and as a player and be a leader in the room.“

Off the ice, Black takes part in a variety of activities that help keep his mind sharp.  “This summer I have been playing a lot of street ball.  I’ve also been teaching myself how to build a computer.  Last summer I was into fixing up cars.  I actually do a lot of reading, and during the season I often stop in at the Barnes and Noble after practice and finish a new book every week to two weeks.  I may also take a couple of classes online through the PHPA Career Enhancement Program to prepare for an eventual life after hockey.”

Heading into the 2015-16 season, the New Jersey Devils organization will boast a revamped front office including a new General Manager, Ray Shero, and Head Coach, John Hynes, which Black says, doesn’t affect his mindset heading into training camp. 

“It‘s sad to see some guys go, but it’s a business and as players, we understand that and have to get past that.  Everyone in the Devils organization is working toward a common goal and I’m working hard to be a big part of that.”

Fully healed and ready for the Devils training camp, Black reflects fondly on this past summer’s PHPA Annual Meeting. 

“Being the youngest guy there, I was very nervous.  I met a lot of good guys throughout the week who were all there for a reason, to help advance the rights of players.  It was reassuring to know that as a young player, we have older guys who have been around the League for some time who look out for the best interests of the younger guys.  I was really impressed with the leadership of the players as well as the PHPA staff.”

As a young emerging leader within the Devils organization, Black hopes to continue learning from his veteran teammates, whether it be in Albany, or the next level in New Jersey, where there is sure to be a grand piano in every hotel stay.

Follow Darryl Dionne on twitter @DarrylRDionne