Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterMar 14, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
HOCKEY PLAYERS KNOW the power of a good video session.
It’s how they study an opponent. Critique their own game. And — thanks to years of recorded highlights available online — admire the exploits of superstars past and present.
Yes, video study is an integral part of an athlete’s day. So it’s no wonder that Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli has leaned into that again in confronting a whole new life frontier.
“So I’m learning to cook. I’m working on it,” he told ESPN recently. “I have to watch the YouTube videos. I can do, like, a steak and veggies, potatoes; pasta and fish are easy. But when I get a little bit exotic with it? That definitely means watching. I can pretty much do it all, just takes more time to get creative.”
Welcome to the NHL rookie experience.
It’s more than just figuring out how to play in the toughest league on earth. Rookies are navigating extreme on-ice expectations while mastering how to live alone for the first time, finding work-life balance, keeping up with frenzied travel schedules and facing all the real-world pressures of growing up — and growing into their best selves as players and people.
“It’s pretty eye-opening, playing in this league,” Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies said. “It’s challenging to have juice and have energy every day to show up and just be prepared and be willing to sacrifice your body every day and get better. It’s challenging and it’s a lot of fun at the same time.”
Players have spent their rookie seasons searching for a secret sauce to keep them dialed in at home and the rink. Many have been guided by older teammates. Others count on family support. There’s a formula to it for everyone — with some common threads. Those ties that bind are revealed here by nearly a dozen of the NHL’s best freshmen.
“To be honest with you, the best part now is I just get to do what I love for a longer period…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39722962/nhl-rookies-lifestyle-cooking-travel-video-games-faber-fantilli
Author : Kristen Shilton
Publish date : 2024-03-14 11:13:58
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
