5 Questions: Get to know CBJ forward Cole Sillinger

By this point in the season, Cole Sillinger has become a household name for Blue Jackets fans.
At just 18 years old, the youngest player in the NHL has become a regular for Columbus. The son of former Blue Jackets center Mike Sillinger, Cole has had a good start to his NHL career, posting seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in the first 40 games of his NHL career.
More than that, he's earned the trust of head coach Brad Larsen, including penalty killing and late-game assignments when the Blue Jackets are protecting a lead, at such a young age.
"He's gonna be a good player," Larsen said. "He's slowly finding his way through this league. This is a tough league at center at 18 years old. He has the right mind-set. He really has a feel for when the games start to ramp up. His competitiveness and intensity starts to get better. That's what I love about him. He's always engaged that way. He senses those moments."

However, there's much more to know about the young rookie besides his on-ice talent, and he discussed his off-the-ice life in the most recent edition of 5 Questions.

1. BlueJackets.com: How has it been living in Columbus so far?
Cole Sillinger: "It's been good. I've been living with a family right now. They're awesome. Amazing people. They've been helping me out by cooking me meals and doing all the tough work for me. I'm very comfortable here so far."
Have there been any challenges for you since moving here?
"I would have to say the NHL schedule. It can be challenging for a young guy -- the traveling and the difficulty of the games, it's especially hard mentally. You just have to kind of stay focused and get through it and enjoy every bit of time."
2. Do you think of yourself as being the youngest guy on the ice when you are out there?
"To be honest, it doesn't really cross my mind. Even when I'm hanging out with the guys, they're obviously older, but it doesn't cross my mind. I'd like to think of myself as a pretty mature 18-year-old. Hopefully my teammates would say the same."
3. Has this experience been anything like you had imagined?
"It's like something you dream of, but more. It's nothing really crazy, just skating around NHL buildings with fans in the stands, knowing that I was a fan of the team growing up, playing against some of my favorite players. I think playing against guys you looked up to is the most surprising part of it all.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey so far?
"Definitely opening night, our first home game and our first team win. I had some family and friends in town, so it was nice to experience that with them and it was nice for our team to get out on the right foot with a big win that night."
4. Do you ever feel like you are missing out on being a teenager since you've had to grow up so fast to be where you are right now?
"I haven't felt like I've missed anything. I mean this has been my dream ever since I stepped on the ice. I've had to make some sacrifices along the way, but it's for sure paying off. This is truly a dream come true."
Obviously, you are living out your dream, but what do you think you would be doing if you weren't in the NHL?
"I'd still be playing junior hockey, just working towards my goal of playing in the NHL."
5. What are your personal goals for your NHL career?
"The biggest goal is to win a Stanley Cup. Winning it here in Columbus would be pretty special."