Hi hockey fans.
It's going to be fun providing you with a monthly diary on what's happening in my life and at the National Team Development Program this season. I'm very much looking forward to it.
I was surrounded by a good amount of hockey people in my house. I have two uncles that played Division I college hockey, at Notre Dame and Colorado College. I have two older brothers, Eric and Riley, that played. I was surrounded by hockey, so I had no other choice, really. I'm glad I picked hockey, though.
Being from Pittsburgh, we went to a lot of Penguins games when I was growing up. The Penguins had to be up there and, obviously, you follow
Sidney Crosby
... he's a great guy. But to be honest, I was kind of a Washington Capitals fan growing up. I really don't know how it happened, but ever since I was a little kid I liked Alex Ovechkin and it just went from there.
I just like the way 'Ovi' competes. He's one of the best players in the world. He's getting close to breaking Wayne Gretzky's record for goals and I just feel like he's so electrifying to watch. I try to do some of the things he does in his game and put it into my game.
My mom and dad have had a huge impact on my career. Hockey is a pretty expensive sport, and with each of my parents working, it was tough to get everyone everywhere, especially when all three (brothers) were playing. I want to thank them a ton; they put a lot of time and effort into us.
My dad made us an ice hockey rink in the backyard and we'd always play out there for hours. In the summertime we'd play 1-on-1-on-1 street hockey all day or until it got dark or when it was time for dinner. There were definitely some good battles out there.
When I was just starting out in hockey I was actually a defenseman, but after a few years I always played center. I think the opportunity to score goals, make plays, was what interested me most.
