NHL Stars Reflect on Offseason Adventures
The NHL offseason provided players with a much-needed break from the grueling regular season, allowing them to pursue various activities and spend time with their loved ones. From attending weddings to traveling to exotic locations, players made the most of their time off before gearing up for the upcoming season.
Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks enjoyed his first football game at the University of Michigan, while Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers opted for a relaxing summer at home. John Carlson of the Washington Capitals embarked on a golf trip to Ireland with his brother, and Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders revisited Italy for a couple of weddings. Brandon Carlo of the Boston Bruins attended David Pastrnak’s wedding in Croatia and marveled at the beauty of the country’s coastline.
Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes had a family vacation in Mexico, while Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators cherished precious moments with his newborn son. Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens traveled to Europe for weddings and golf trips, and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues enjoyed a golf trip to Ireland with his dad and friends.
Clayton Keller of the Utah Hockey Club took a break to visit his grandma in Missouri, while Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings partied in Nashville for a former teammate’s bachelor party. Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars tied the knot in a unique black and white suit, and Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers officiated his sister’s wedding.
Wyatt Johnston of the Dallas Stars embarked on a golf trip to Inverness, Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia with friends, relishing in the beauty of the scenic location. Overall, NHL players made the most of their offseason, creating lasting memories and enjoying much-needed downtime before the upcoming season.
Favorite Road Cities for NHL Players
When it comes to traveling for away games, NHL players have their favorite cities that they look forward to visiting each season. From the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas to the rich hockey history of Montreal, players have diverse preferences when it comes to road cities.
Macklin Celebrini mentioned Boston and Vancouver as his top choices due to personal connections, while Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres favored Florida for its warm weather and laid-back atmosphere. John Carlson highlighted Montreal for its excellent food and unique ambiance, while Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning shared his fondness for Montreal’s European vibe and rich hockey culture.
Bo Horvat enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas and Nashville, while Brandon Carlo preferred the West Coast cities of Los Angeles and Anaheim for their sunny beaches and relaxed vibe. Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils expressed his love for Chicago and its iconic arenas, while Jaccob Slavin favored New York for its culinary offerings.
Filip Forsberg appreciated the energy of Las Vegas and the presence of family in the area, while Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators found Tampa to be a hidden gem. Nick Suzuki enjoyed the country music scene in Nashville, and Robert Thomas relished the diverse culinary scene in New York.
Clayton Keller cherished playing at Madison Square Garden in New York, while Quinton Byfield praised the city for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks highlighted Vegas and Montreal as his go-to destinations for exploration and culinary delights.
Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks found Boston’s historical charm appealing, while Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers favored Dallas for its pleasant weather and recreational activities. Wyatt Johnston appreciated the familiarity of Toronto and the relaxation of Fort Lauderdale’s beaches.
Overall, NHL players have diverse tastes when it comes to road cities, with each city offering a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment for players to enjoy during their travels.
Indulging in Cheat Meals and Equipment Quirks
When it comes to cheat meals and equipment quirks, NHL players have their unique preferences and habits that set them apart on and off the ice. From favorite comfort foods to personalized gear setups, players have their own rituals that help them perform at their best during games.
Macklin Celebrini indulges in his mom’s lasagna as his ultimate cheat meal, while Rasmus Dahlin has a sweet tooth for ice cream in various flavors. Bo Horvat opts for a classic burger and fries for his cheat meal, while Jaccob Slavin enjoys desserts like cookies and molten lava cakes.
Shane Pinto’s go-to cheat meal is Chick-fil-A, complete with a spicy chicken sandwich and nuggets, while Owen Tippett craves a classic cheesesteak for his indulgence. Wyatt Johnston sticks to a classic cheeseburger and fries for his cheat meal, finding comfort in its simplicity and familiarity.
When it comes to equipment quirks, Macklin Celebrini stands out for his unconventional stick taping method, which eschews the traditional toe and heel taping. Rasmus Dahlin keeps his stick setup simple with a spiral tape job and black tape, while Jaccob Slavin follows a specific routine of dressing right side gear before left side gear for every game.
Filip Forsberg dreams of a customizable stick that can switch curves for left-handed and right-handed shots, highlighting the importance of personalized gear for player performance. Clayton Keller recently updated his elbow pads after using the same pair since he was 14, showcasing the attachment players can have to their equipment over the years.
Overall, cheat meals and equipment quirks offer a glimpse into the personal preferences and habits of NHL players, showcasing the rituals that help them stay at the top of their game both on and off the ice.