Kevin Porter

By: 
Jeff Hoodzow

Pregame

How do you mentally prepare for a game?
I think about what I’m going to do when I get on the ice, when I get the puck and try to give myself a positive image.

Do you listen to music to get ready? If so, who?

Not really. I don’t even think my iPod has any songs in it.

Who controls the locker room music?

It’s usually a couple of different guys. Daniel Carcillo, Todd Fedoruk and Brian McGrattan come to mind.

Do you have any superstitions?

Not really, but I usually put on all of my equipment on my left side first.

How do you unwind after a game?

I try to get into the cold tub, maybe spend a little bit of time on the bike. When I get home, I usually get into bed and relax. Maybe watch a movie.

Favorites

Who are the toughest players to defend?
Alexander Ovechkin. He’s so talented. I played against him at the World Juniors, and he’s just amazing.

Who’s the toughest goalie to score on?
Miikka Kiprusoff. I just played against him for the first time, and he’s tough to get a good shot on.

What’s your best shootout move?
I’m not much of a deker. I’m a lefty so I
usually try to go low to the blocker side.

Who’s your best friend in hockey?
I have a few, but I would have to say Chad Kolarik, who’s playing in San Antonio.
Who’s the person you’d most like to meet (in or out of hockey)? I would say Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong.

What’s your favorite city to play in?   
Being from Detroit, I’d say that’s my favorite place to play. I haven’t played there yet as a pro, but it’s going to be fun to play in front of my family and friends.

What’s your most memorable hockey moment?
Making it to the Frozen Four last year. We were a young team, and we weren’t supposed to advance.

What is your favorite pastime during the offseason?
I just try to relax. I have to skate and work out, but I like to watch a lot of movies.

Who was your favorite player to watch when you were growing up?
I would say probably Pavel Bure and Mike Modano.

"Being from Detroit, I’d say that’s my favorite place to play."

What’s your favorite all-time hockey movie?
Slap Shot

How about your all-time favorite movie? 
The Rock

What’s your favorite food? 
Grilled chicken

What’s your favorite TV show? 
Entourage

Favorite concert? 
Dave Matthews

Favorite book? 
I don’t have one favorite.

After winning the Hobey Baker Award and leading the University of Michigan to the Frozen Four in 2008, Kevin Porter is making his mark in the NHL.After winning the Hobey Baker Award and leading the University of Michigan to the Frozen Four in 2008, Kevin Porter is making his mark in the NHL.

 

Odds & Ends

What ride at an amusement park best suits your personality?
Probably something calm and relaxing. Not a lot of twists and turns for me.

How often do you get recognized in public? 
Not often, really. Maybe if I’m in Ann Arbor, I might, but that’s usually reserved for the football players.

Do you collect memorabilia from your playing career? If so, what’s your most prized possession?
I don’t, but my parents have a few things from when I was younger and when I got drafted.

Where do you keep your Hobey Baker trophy?
My dad actually has it, along with a couple of other trophies I picked up when I was at Michigan.

What was your first job?
A hockey instructor for USA Hockey’s instructional camp.

What do you want to do after hockey?
Probably stay in hockey and coach. My brother is a lawyer, so maybe do some advising for him.

In the Bag

Skates: Bauer
Stick: Easton
Helmet: Bauer
Gloves:  Bauer

 

Photos - Getty Images
Issue: 
2008-12

Poll

Who is your favorite American player?
Auston Matthews
21%
Jason Robertson
6%
Tage Thompson
10%
Matthew Tkachuk
7%
Patrick Kane
23%
Other
33%
Total votes: 363