Pregame
What’s your favorite drill?
The half-moon shooting drill, where you basically just stand there and shoot.
How do you mentally prepare for a game?
I just think about what I have to do to play well. I also go down the list of players that I’m going to play against and reiterate the two or three things I have to do to be successful, like move the puck well and have quick feet.
What’s your favorite locker room music?
My favorite locker room music I guess would be described as classic rock, Bruce Springsteen and the like.
Do you have any superstitions?
No, I like routines more than anything else. I eat the same thing and that’s about it. I don’t have to knock on wood three times or anything like that.
Big and bruising defenseman Matt Greene is making a name for himself in the hockey-mad city of Edmonton, Alberta.
Main Event
When did you start playing hockey?
I was 3 or 4 years old.
What other sports did you play growing up?
I played baseball and basketball.
How important is it to play other sports?
It’s really important. In the NHL, people aren’t just hockey players anymore, they are athletes. You have to be well-rounded. Playing baseball is great for your hand-eye coordination, and playing basketball is great for your hands and legs. It’s just about having fun, too.
"Never take anything for granted." |
What advice do you have for young players?
Keep having fun and work as hard as
you can.
Who’s the toughest player to play against? Why?
Joe Thornton. He’s just so big, smart and patient.
Who’s the toughest goalie to score on?
I don’t score too many goals, so you could say anybody wearing an NHL jersey right now.
Who’s your best friend in hockey?
Jason Smith. (His former teammate in Edmonton and current captain of the Philadelphia Flyers)
Who’s the person you’d most like to meet (in or out of hockey)?
Christopher Walken. He’s a pretty interesting guy.
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Bob Rouse (defenseman with the Minnesota North Stars, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks)
What’s your favorite city to play in?
New York City
What’s your favorite arena?
I’ll go with Madison Square Garden.
What would you do if you had two days off during the season?
Probably go back to my hometown of Grand Ledge, Mich.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Never take anything for granted.
What’s your favorite food?
You just opened a whole box there. I’d say burritos from Qdoba.
What’s your favorite TV show?
You’re really hitting me hard here. Food and TV back-to-back? My two passions.
Right now, I’d say The Wire.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
The Usual Suspects
What was your first job?
I worked at a tire warehouse for Pomp’s Tires.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing hockey?
I’d still be working at the tire warehouse (laughs). Actually, I’d still be milking out my degree somewhere.
In the Bag
Skates: Bauer
Stick: Bauer
Helmet: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
photo by Getty Images