What was your most memorable hockey moment growing up?
“My most memorable hockey moment growing up, and during my career, has been winning championships along the way — (the 2005 Connecticut state championship in high school) with Farmington, (the 2007 New England prep school championship) with Avon Old Farms, (the 2009 NCAA national championship) with Boston University and eventually the Stanley Cup (in 2015-16 and 2016-17) with the Pittsburgh Penguins.”
What do you remember most about the final minute of regulation of the NCAA championship game in 2009 with the Terriers? You had the primary assist on the goal that cut Miami (Ohio) University’s lead to 3-2 with 59.5 seconds left and then scored the tying goal with 17.4 seconds remaining to force overtime.
“The sound of it — it was so loud; it was so intense. The feeling we got going back to the bench and celebrating with everyone, we knew we were going to win after tying it.”
You met your future wife, Lauren, who was a forward at BU, while you were there. How did you meet and what was it like sharing hockey stories with each other?
“It was good. We met the first day of school. Her roommate was from Connecticut; I knew her a little bit. The first day of school I walked Lauren to class, just randomly, and we started dating a month and a half, two months later.
“She watches the games. She’s a little bit more critical than someone who hasn’t played hockey their whole life (smiles) and lets me know when I’m doing things well and when I’m not, and vice versa in college.”
During your first championship run with the Penguins you centered a unit called the “HBK Line,” with Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel on your wings. What stands out the most about that line and the chemistry you three had together?
“It was a lot of fun with those two. We complemented each other. I just got them the puck, and Phil used his shot and Haggy used his speed. It was a whirlwind few months and is a pretty cool memory.”
You brought the Stanley Cup to Avon Old Farms both times after you won it. What did it mean to you to be able to bring it there?
“It was fun. It’s a school that helped turn me from a young man into an adult. I have a lot of good memories there and I thought it was a fitting place to bring the Cup.”
This is your second season with the Nashville Predators. What’s been the best part of your experience with them and what makes playing there so special? The answer can’t be “the people.”
"The atmosphere around the rink is always exciting. The building is always rocking. It’s a fun place to play, and we have such a youthful group."
Key facts
- Team: Nashville Predators
- Hometown: Unionville, Conn.
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Size: 6-1, 196
- Age: 30
Notable: Member of the Penguins’ 2015-16 and 2016-17 Stanley Cup championship teams. Signed as free agent with Predators on July 1, 2017. Entering December, had totaled 91 goals and 132 assists in 504 regular-season games and 18 goals and 27 assists in 88 Stanley Cup playoff contests with the Ducks, Canucks, Penguins and Predators in 10 NHL seasons. Recorded 117 points (45-72-117) in 116 games at Boston University, where he skated for three seasons (2007-10) and was a member of the 2009 NCAA national championship club. Captained Avon Old Farms to the 2007 New England Division 1 prep school championship. Selected 173rd overall by the Sharks in the 2007 NHL draft.
Favorites
- Food: Sushi
- TV show: “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
- Movie: “Caddyshack”
- Vacation spot: Canadian Rockies
- Actor: Larry David
- Actress: Emma Stone
- Superhero: Superman
Equipment
- Helmet: CCM
- Stick: CCM
- Gloves: CCM
- Skates: CCM
