World Cup Q&A: Blake Wheeler on captaincy, leadership influences

theScore caught up with Blake Wheeler at World Cup Media Day to discuss his leadership influences, and his new role as captain of the Winnipeg Jets.

theScore: In your unveiling as captain, you touched on learning from two great leaders in your career. Have you spoken to Zdeno Chara or Andrew Ladd since the announcement?

Wheeler: Yeah, I talked to Laddy. I was actually out at his place right after I found out. But not much had to be said. We've had a lot of conversations over the last few years, so I knew where he stood on things. He was a great mentor the whole time.

theScore: Will you change anything from the way he ran the room?

Wheeler: Pretty much all the advice I've gotten from everyone is to just be yourself. I'll continue to do what I do, try to set an example on the ice. I'll let guys like this (motions toward Dustin Byfuglien) be vocal in the room. I think we have a good mix.

theScore: How did Chara and Ladd contrast in their styles, and what were you able to pick up from each?

Wheeler: They were pretty similar. Preparation was a huge part of what they did. They are two of the hardest working guys I've ever played with. That's what comes with the territory. You have to be one of the hardest working guys, if not the hardest working guy every day. That reflected on what they did on a daily basis, in practice and in games.

theScore: Did you watch Chara with the expectation that you may be in those shoes one day, or was being attentive just sort of the smart thing to do as a young guy breaking into the league?

Wheeler: You look up to him in a lot of ways - literally and figuratively. He was such a commanding presence. The way he worked every day rubbed off on everyone. That was the example, and if you fell short of that, then he was going to make you look bad by how hard he worked. He brought everyone to his level (that way).

theScore: You were traded from Boston to Atlanta during a season in which the Bruins went on to win the Stanley Cup. What sort of perspective did you gain from that?

Wheeler: Just how close you came to it. It was a special group, obviously, and now you aspire to get back to that level.

theScore: Finally, what is the most important trait in a captain?

Wheeler: It's being the hardest working guy on your team. There are going to be days where it's tough to do that, but that's the most important thing. You have to (set) the example every single day, even (during) the tough days when you're not feeling so great. You're still consistent.

(Note: Interview was condensed and edited for clarity.)