What is the most memorable moment of your career?
"My first National Hockey League game (with the Anaheim Ducks vs. the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 5, 2014), of course, but also the Western Conference final last year with Anaheim (against the Nashville Predators). It was so much fun, with so much on the line. Even though we fell short, it was still a lot of fun."
What is your most embarrassing on-ice moment?
"I took a high-sticking penalty in Game 3 of that series with four minutes left, and the Predators scored and won the game. That’s up there. That was tough."
You played two seasons (2010-12) at Colgate University. What is your top college moment?
"One was my sophomore year when we beat Quinnipiac at home to go to the ECAC semis. Actually, the best game was earlier that season when we played against Cornell, a big rival, at home, and it was packed like it always was when we played them. We were down 3-1 in the third period and we came back and won 5-3. That was the most fun game I played in."
What did Colgate head coach Don Vaughan mean to your career?
"He’s an awesome guy. He gave me an opportunity to go there and play right away, which helped my career then all the way to now. He gave me a lot of exposure early. I was in big situations as a freshman, and I excelled my sophomore year. We were tight then, and we still are now. He still texts me and checks in on me. He’s always available for a call or a text if I need anything. I appreciate that."
What was the biggest lesson you learned from Coach Vaughan?
"The biggest was to work hard, have confidence and play my game."
Throughout your professional career, you’ve bounced around between the NHL and the American Hockey League, been placed on and claimed off waivers multiple times, and earlier this season you were traded from the Ducks to the New York Islanders. Who have you leaned on to help you and support you and keep you confident and upbeat through this roller coaster of a start to your career?
"Coach-wise, my head coach (with the AHL Norfolk Admirals) Trent Yawney, who’s the defense coach in Anaheim, helped me learn the pro game to start. Dallas Eakins (head coach of the AHL San Diego Gulls) helped me through a couple tough times last year.
"My parents (Paul and Cindy) are always there to talk, especially when I was going through that. My friends are there, too. There are a lot of people."
Key Facts
Teams: New York Islanders; Colgate; South Shore Kings; Xaverian
Hometown: Walpole, Mass.
Pos.: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Size: 6-0, 198 | Age: 26
Notable: Drafted 122nd by Anaheim in 2010 NHL draft. Before being traded by Ducks to Islanders on Feb. 26, 2018, already had skated in a career-high 64 games, matched career high in goals (6), set career highs in assists (9) and points (15) during 2017-18 season. Totaled 70 points (26-44-70) in 79 contests during two campaigns (2010-12) at Colgate. Before college, skated for South Shore Kings of EJHL for two seasons (2008-10), totaling 117 points (54-63-117) in 82 matches. Named EJHL Offensive Player of the Year and MVP for 2009-10. Played three years (2005-08) at Xaverian Brothers High School in Catholic Conference; named a Boston Globe All-Scholastic performer in 2007-08.
Favorites
Food: Steak (medium rare)
TV show: "The Office"
Movie: "The Departed"
Actor: Steve Carell
Musician: Kenny Chesney
Song: "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney
Non-hockey athlete: Tiger Woods
Sport other than hockey: Golf
Video game: Call of Duty
Equipment
Helmet: Bauer
Stick: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Skates: Bauer
