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From NEHJ: Hangin' Out With... John Carlson
Which sports teams did you grow up rooting for?
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Capitals defenseman John Carlson (Marlborough, Mass.) had 37 points in 82 games last season. (Getty) |
“I always grew up rooting for all the Boston sports teams,
being that I grew up in Marlborough. To this day, I still watch and
follow all of my Boston teams, and I would have to say that my
favorite one to watch is probably the Red Sox.”
What kind of jobs did you have before you became a pro
hockey player?
“I worked at a deli during the summers to keep busy and make
some money when I could, but hockey was so vigorous that I usually
didn’t have much time with everything going on.”
What was the first car that you owned?
“2005 Nissan Pathfinder that got passed down to me after my
brother Andrew moved to Boston to attend Northeastern
University.”
If you were running for president, which teammate would
you want as your VP?
“I’d have to go with my defense partner Karl Alzner.
Not only are we usually a team on the ice but we’re great
friends off the ice, and I think that is a characteristic that a
president and vice president would need to work
together.”
What was your “welcome to the NHL”
moment?
“Just stepping onto the ice and looking around and realizing
that I was actually there. I’ve played in front of big crowds
in nice buildings before, but to start my career at the Verizon
Center in front of our home crowd and my family was
awesome.”
What do you have to bring with you on the
road?
“Well, we wear out suits on the plane so depending on the
length of the road trip I can bring anything from a pair shorts and
a T-shirt to bringing three suits and five shirts. I always travel
with some sort of entertainment as well.”
What do you like to do during the
offseason?
“Relax. I know I am speaking for everyone when I say that we
need rest after a long grueling season. After that period,
it’s just about building up and working out and getting
yourself as prepared as possible before training camp starts the
following year. Personally, I use this time to see my family and
friends I don’t get to see during the year, and I enjoy
playing golf and going to the beach.”
If there was a movie made about your life, which actor
would you want to see play you? How come?
“Adam Sandler. Ever since I was a kid, I loved every movie
he was in. I consider myself a pretty loose, laid-back guy, and in
most of his movies, he is in that role. But I would also agree that
I am just saying that to meet him one day!”
What’s the best nickname anyone has ever given
you?
“I’ve had so many nicknames that I can’t
remember them all. In the hockey world, every team that you play
with gives you a different nickname. The one I would prefer most is
‘JC.’”
FAVORITES
TV show: “Entourage”
Movie: “The Shawshank
Redemption”
Band: Dave Matthews Band
Restaurant: Ronnie’s
Home-cooked meal: Pesto pasta
Vacation spot: Home
Late-night TV host: Conan
Video game: “Tiger Woods
’12”
NHL player growing up: Scott Stevens
Athlete outside of hockey: Tom Brady
IN YOUR BAG
Skates: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Stick: Bauer
Helmet: Bauer
This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of New England Hockey Journal.
