Pregame
How do you mentally prepare for a game?
I try to get a good pregame meal and then get a couple of hours of rest.
What’s your warm up routine?
I’m kind of low key. I try to get a couple of sticks ready; maybe go into the hall and play the soccer game.
Do you listen to music to get ready? If so, who?
I listen to just about everything, country, rock. I listen to a lot of Pearl Jam.
What’s your favorite music during warm ups?
Rock, especially Pearl Jam.
What kind of food do you eat before a game?
Pasta and chicken. The usuals.
Do you have any superstitions?
I always put on the right side of my equipment first.
Main Event
When did you start playing hockey?
I started playing when I was 4.
Who was your favorite coach growing up?
When I was younger, it was Coach Lauer. He’s the one that introduced me to playing offense, but now, it’s Wayne (Gretzky). It’s pretty surreal.
What other sports did you play growing up?
Football, baseball, basketball. Just about everything.
How important is it to play other sports?
It’s what kids want to do. As long as they are having fun, that’s all that matters.
What advice do you have for young players?
Never say never. Follow your dreams. Always have a smile on your face.
Do you think about playing for Team USA in Vancouver?
It’s pretty exciting. We have a couple of young Americans in the league right now. That’s coming around the corner, but I’m trying not to think about it too much.
Who’s the toughest player to play against?
They’re all tough. I don’t really have one. You can’t really single out anyone.
Who’s the toughest goalie to score on?
Marty Turco (of the Dallas Stars)
“Always have a smile on your face.” |
Do you like the shootout?
No, I love it.
How often do you practice shootout moves?
I try to go out there and try different moves. It’s exciting for us and exciting for the fans. I think it’s a great way to show people the talent and skills of the players.
What’s your best shootout move?
Can’t say. Can’t give it away.
Who’s your best friend in hockey?
Jack Johnson (of the Los Angeles Kings)
Who’s the person you’d most like to meet (in or out of hockey)?
Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Wayne Gretzky
What’s your favorite city to play in?
Minneapolis
What would you do if you had two days off during the season?
Wow. I would probably try to relax, maybe play some golf and fish.
What is the best advice you ever got?
Just always have fun out there. It’s tough sometimes, getting caught up in the politics of it all, but I just try to have some fun.
What’s your favorite food?
Steak and potatoes
What’s your favorite TV show?
Prison Break
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
Slap Shot
What’s your most memorable hockey moment?
Playing in the NHL and playing for team USA when I was younger.
Who’s your favorite band?
Pearl Jam
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Audioslave in Washington
What was your first job?
Hockey director in a hockey store.
What do you want to do after hockey?
Coach. Help out kids. Do something with kids.
In the Bag
Skates: CCM
Stick: Warrior
Helmet: RBK
Gloves: Warrior
photo by Getty Images