Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I always go to the washroom right before the game. If we are at Southwest Ice Arena, I take three paper towels then throw them away, use the hand dryer and then re-tie my skates. I’m known for tying my skates the tightest on the team. I’ve actually broken numerous laces.

Hockey players are nuts.

During my high school years I would pack my equipment into my bag in the exact same order every time I loaded it, whether it was for practice or a game. If we were the home team on game days I would put my home jersey into my bag on top of my away jersey, hoping it meant the home team would come out on top. I always ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and drink a 32 oz. Gatorade two hours before game time. Driving to our home rink, I would listen to the same CD to get pumped up. If I scored a goal, I wouldn’t re-tape my stick before the next game if it didn’t absolutely need it.

Before a game during my senior season I caught one of our goalies looking at his trapper and muttering under his breath. He saw me staring and casually said he was just saying what’s up to his glove. That turned a bunch of heads and he continued by mentioning just as matter-of-factly that as he prepares the crease during warmups he also carried on conversations with each goal post and the crossbar.

It made me feel much better about myself.