Athletes, specifically NHL players, hold onto their specific pre-game rituals ranging from naps, dog walks, to consuming identical meals before each game.
Fancy Pre-Game Routines of NHL Stars
Slipping into the zone is no easy task for NHL players. Some need a good meal, while others are tapping their sticks, deep in focus. Here's a peek into the unique pre-game rituals of these sports champs, from the simple to the downright quirky.
- Matt Duchene's Reliable Routine
Dallas forward Matt Duchene may seem like the model of calm before the storm. But behind that cool façade lies a strict pre-game routine, complete with a two-hour power nap, a steady meal of pasta and salmon, and journal entries revisited.
- Food Facts
Food seems to be a common thread in these players' routines. Some, like Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev, stick to pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken, while Stars forward Mikko Rantanen prefers chicken, pasta, and sweet potatoes. Minneapolis Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson used to dig into 13 meatballs with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes - until this season, when he changed things up.
- Ice King Scott Wedgewood's Predictable Patterns
Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood follows rigid steps before each period, including tapping the crossbar, pads, and posts. This pre-game routine, he says, gets him in the perfect game-ready mindset.
- Pedestrian Pete DeBoer's Polite Tradition
Stars coach Pete DeBoer has a humble pre-game ritual: a daily walk through downtown Denver. Even if it means getting mugged, DeBoer finds the walk a calming experience before the big game. He even stops for a slice at a favorite pizza joint.
- The Power of Habit
These routines may not be superstitions in the traditional sense, but they serve the same purpose - helping players get into the zone. Nelson defenseman Erik Johnson puts it succinctly: "I have a routine, but I don't think that means you're superstitious."
- Breaking the Mold
While most aspects of their routines remain consistent, players are flexible when it comes to vital needs. Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, for example, adapted his pre-game nap schedule to accommodate his busy household and four kids, including triplets. And Carolina forward Mark Jankowski alters his routine to include a walk with his golden retriever Lucy before each game.
- Keeping It Loose
Washington goaltender Logan Thompson's former superstitions included avoiding stepping on cracks - a common trend among the players. But he now focuses on ensuring his body stays loose for peak performance. That's where games like "sewer ball" come in, a popular ice arena game that helps players forget about the game and refocus.
- The Soundtrack of a Success
Tomas Hertl prepares for the game with the soothing melodies of Czech music, crafting the perfect mood for scoring goals. And for those who can't carry a tune, there's always the options of kicking around a soccer ball or taking a cold plunge - like Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin.
Sources:
[1] [AP News]
[2] [People.com]
[3] [Bleacher Report]
[4] [NHL.com]
- Matt Duchene, a Dallas forward, follows a strict pre-game routine that includes a two-hour power nap, a steady meal of pasta and salmon, and journal entries.
- Some NHL players have specific dietary preferences, like Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev who sticks to pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken, or Stars forward Mikko Rantanen who prefers chicken, pasta, and sweet potatoes.
- Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche goaltender, has a specific routine involving tapping the crossbar, pads, and posts before each period to get him in the perfect game-ready mindset.
- Pete DeBoer, the coach of the Stars, has a humble pre-game ritual: a daily walk through downtown Denver, ending at a favorite pizza joint.
- While most aspects of their routines remain consistent, players can be flexible when it comes to essential needs, like Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo who adapted his pre-game nap schedule to accommodate his busy household and four kids.
