SKATE

What activities/art-form did you pick up as a kid that shaped you into the artist you are today? In what way do YOU think it shaped you?

“I’m a professional ice hockey player who has played in multiple leagues in europe and north america. I think hockey is an art form in its own right. With the high speed of play, precision, quick thinking and high level of skill needed to be successful in hockey. Many different activities helped craft me into the hockey player I am today. Whether that’s baseball and learning how to control the game as the catcher. Through my mom who was a professional dancer and Las Vegas Show Girl that thought me the grace and mentality needed to succeed not only in hockey but just life. Ultimately it was my Dad who played in the NHL that taught me how to compete. It didn’t matter what sport, activity or even sporting event we were watching. We were going to compete and have a clear winner at the end. That has created that fire in me to love to compete and i continue that into my craft.”

Were you picked on as a child? If so how? How do you think that affected your life today as an artist?

“I wouldn’t say picked on specifically but within sport there’s a lot of competition. Which leads to opponents, teammates and even coaches trying to put you down and  challenge who you are. In the locker room there can be a lot of jockeying for playing time and inter team competition. That usually ends up into making fun of and putting down teammates. It was a challenge for me when I was younger to not let that affect me but it certainly did. It took me a long time to realize that it didn’t matter what they say and long as you stay the course of who you are.”

What daily activity makes you feel most connected to your hands within your Art-form?

“It’s the time alone after practice when there’s just free ice and you can work on your craft how you want. It makes me feel like a young kid again growing up and just playing the game cause it’s fun! That could be an organized league game or just in a pick up game on an outdoor rink. Wanting to get better at what you do every day would fill me with joy. It’s those memories as a kid that I try to reflect on when i’m having a hard time in hockey.”

What do you appreciate most about how YOUR art makes you feel?

“It’s the adrenaline and enjoyment the game of hockey offers. Whether that’s personal like scoring a goal, making a winning play or defending a teammate. It’s the team aspect of being with the same group of people day in and day out to achieve your dreams. When everything falls in line and you have a team that comes together and is successful. It’s a pleasure to play a part in that and that’s why I love to play hockey. I’m very appreciative to play this sport and all the opportunities it has given me.”

What pushes you to be a better artist today?

“I use to want to compete with other people either on my team or on opposing teams to see who is the better player. As I got older i matured and started not caring who was doing what and where or how they were playing. I started to just focus on my own game. Focus on how i’m playing and if im doing what needs to be done to be a better version of myself. Trying to build on that though practices and games.”

BONUS QUESTIONS.

Do you have any scars? What is the story on them?

“In what some call a “violent” sport like hockey. I do have many scars on my body. The most recent being located just under my lip after a stick hit and cut me. I had to leave the game at the end of the second period and get stitches. I then came right back and finished game. The biggest one I have is on my shoulder. After getting hit badly into the boards and separating my shoulder when I was 16. I finished that season having a very successful year. Tho the next year was not so lucky having to miss the whole season. I had to get surgery to repair my shoulder leaving me with a big scar.”

Favorite quote? Why?

“Work Hard, Stay Positive or WHSP for short. it’s been sort of a mantra my parents have repeated to me through out the years. I try to act on it in good and tough times. When things are not going my way it reminds me to do the two most important things when it comes to being a good teammate.”

What are your favorite pair of shoes/boots, and why?

“It is definitely my green on green nike dunk lows. They were a gift from my mom when she was on in a trip in Paris. Every time I wear them I think of her. I think of all the great things, memories and opportunities she has given me my whole life. Love You Momma!”

What was your favorite Disney movie growing up?

“It’s a classic hockey movie called Miracle. It is about ice hockey in the 1980 olympics when team USA made up of just college players upset the heavily favored team with all professionals the Soviet Union. It was my favorite as a kid and a movie I still watch now.”

If you were to speak to your younger artist, what would it be?

“RELAX! It will be alright. Don’t stress and endlessly worry about things you can’t control. I would tell him to just stay in the present and to work hard at whatever it is you're doing. When you do those 2 things you start to have more control over your anything you do… Oh and take school more serious dummy.”