Great jacket. Who knew you were so stylish out of the jersey?
I try. I’m not really into fashion but I try to do my own shopping. I just order things online. I use Zappos!
Take us through your typical game day routine.
Mine is not as adventurous as some of the other guys. I wake up in the morning around 8, go to the rink, eat breakfast. They have a little omelet bar for us so I have an omelet and after that we go on the ice around 10:30 a.m. When we get off the ice I have my pre-game meal, come home and take my pre-game nap, which is a little ritual all the guys do.
So no weird superstitions?
I don’t really have any, I try not to. Brent Seabrook does a lot of weird things. He sticks to a specific timeline that he has to do everything on and everything has to be timed. There are a lot of guys in the league who have crazy routines. Some guys have rituals that they do in the locker room before games like taping their stick one way or putting one skate on another way, just different things they gotta do. But I’m pretty easy going!
Which guys are you closest with off the ice?
I’m pretty close with a few of the guys. Ray Emery, Dan Carcillo, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith, Sheldon Brookbank. You sort of have your own little crew you hang out with but as a team we’re all good friends.
Who’s someone the team can always count on to lift the mood in the locker room?
Probably Patrick Sharp. He likes to joke around and have some fun. Carcillo likes to joke around too.
You’re only 26 and already off the market. How did you meet your wife, Julia?
I’ve known my wife since grade school. We actually sat beside one another in grades seven and eight. We went to the same high school before I went away for hockey when I was about 15. When I moved away from home we still talked, we weren’t that good of friends but we were still friends. Then when I was 22 Facebook became a factor and we started talking more and hanging out again. By then I was playing in the NHL so she finally started dating me!
It’s been 9 years since you were drafted by the Hawks. How do you stay grounded after being thrown into the league at such a young age?
I’ve lived on my own since I was 16. I went through a lot of things earlier than a lot of other people. When I was growing up I was always playing hockey so I stayed out of the party scene and I’m actually lucky that I did manage to stay out of it. You know when to pick your times to go out during the season. When it comes down to playoffs, it just changes. We’re all professional athletes and old enough to know what to do.
Are kids coming in the second act?
My wife is pregnant right now! We are still waiting to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.
Which team are you rooting for?
Boy for sure! But whichever comes out, we’ll be happy as long as they are healthy.
How did you spend your day with the Cup after the 2010 win?
When I got it I took it back home to Mimico, Ontario and my friend Derek organized a lot of things for me. We had a big party, took it around town to let everyone see it and did an autograph signing. After that we just sorta had fun with it. I think compared to every other cup the Stanley Cup has the best stories.
From growing up in Ontario how much of a difference is it playing hockey in the states?
There is a huge difference. Hockey in Canada is like church for people in the United States. There are outdoor rinks on every corner and people have rinks in their backyard. You just put on your skates and go out and play.
Do you go back to Canada during the offseason?
No, I’ve stayed in Chicago the six or seven years I’ve been here. I live in Lakeview.
Hawks fans get the chance to play head-to-head with you and your teammates at the Dave Bolland Golf Classic. How’s your golf game?
My golf game is pretty good! I have some room to practice though.
Who is your hockey idol?
Brendan Shannahan.
Favorite bar or restaurant?
Scout is a good spot. Stout, RPM, Siena Tavern and Augie’s, a little bar around the corner from my house.
Cubs or Sox?
Well, I live near the Cubs but I root for both.
Favorite vacation spot?
Cabo.
If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix.
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