What is your earliest hockey memory? "My dad (Bobby) built two backyard rinks. My brother (Brendan), my sister (Alex) and I always went out there and had a blast. I remember those days. Those were really special. We had rinks in both Albany and New Jersey. I remember a little more of New Jersey, though, since I was older. Those were always fun nights." [Dad Bobby won two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils as a forward in 1995 and as an assistant coach in 2003. Sister Alex plays for the Boston Pride (National Women’s Hockey League) and has represented USA in international tournaments.]
Why did you choose to play for Boston University? "I thought it was the best fit for me. Coach David Quinn (Cranston, R.I.) and the atmosphere that the staff gave off was really welcoming. I thought it would be best for my development and a place where I would be able to succeed and learn the most. It was the best place for me and I felt most comfortable there."
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from Coach Quinn? "The most important one so far is consistency. I definitely have to stay consistent in moving my feet and getting shots off. Learning that throughout my couple of years there has really helped me and my game, and other players, for sure."
How often do you communicate with your dad and Alex? "We definitely talk. He always watches. My sister comes to watch as much as she can. It’s been really nice that we are all settled in Boston. Everyone is always there. After every game, I call my dad and he lets me know what he saw and gives me tips here and there. He’s been really supportive for both of us, and it means everything to me. I’m where I am because of him."
What is the best advice you’ve received from Dad? "Definitely enjoy the game. ‘You have to enjoy it. There’s no point in doing it if you don’t love it.’ That was the biggest thing that helped my sister and me. Every time we step on the ice it’s a fun time. I just want to get better. It’s been really good."
What is your major and why? "I major in communication with a minor in film. I like talking, getting the word out there. I’ve been told I’m pretty good with people. I figure that’s the best path for me. With film, I like to make films and stuff on vacations. It’s a little thing I do outside of hockey."
Key Facts
Team: Boston University
Hometown: North Reading, Mass. | Pos.: C | Shoots: Left | Size: 5-11, 185
Notable: Coming off his sophomore season at Boston University, where he recorded 32 points (14-18-32) in 38 games; ranked second on Terriers with a plus-13 rating; named a Hockey East Top Performer on three different occasions (Jan. 20, Feb. 13, Feb. 20); from Jan. 28-March 10, had a career-best eight-game point streak during which he recorded 13 points (6-7-13). Notched 16 points (12-4-16) in 39 games in 2015-16, his freshman year at BU; named a Hockey East Top Performer on Dec. 14 and March 7. Named to USHL All-Rookie second team following 2014-15 season, during which he totaled 35 goals (tied for USHL lead) and 63 points in 60 games with the Sioux City Musketeers.
Favorites
Food: Buffalo chicken
Pregame meal: "Bison burger, some veggies, some mixed rice and two waters."
Movie: "Miracle"
TV show: "I don’t watch much TV, but I like ‘Friends.’"
Actor: Mark Wahlberg
Sport other than hockey: "I’ve been playing a lot of cornhole over the summer. That’s been fun. I’ve been really into that; it’s relaxing. If we’re talking more high-paced, I definitely like to throw the football around. My brother plays football, so we do that."
Non-hockey athlete: David Ortiz
All-time hockey memory: "Having the Stanley Cup and being at the Stanley Cup parties with my dad. That was special. That’s the ultimate goal. Being able to get a taste of that, and then hopefully doing it myself, is special."
Equipment
Helmet: Bauer Re-Akt | Stick: CCM | Skates: CCM | Gloves: CCM
