ALEX GALCHENYUK
Position: Forward, Arizona Coyotes
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
NHL Draft: Selected by Montreal Canadiens in first round (third overall) of 2012 NHL Draft
Acquired: Traded to Coyotes from Montreal for forward Max Domi on June 15, 2018
Last Amateur Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Age: 24

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Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Alex Galchenyuk: There were so many. It’s hard to bring out just one. Just remember growing up, playing hockey and having the dream of playing in the NHL. That’s my favorite memory still going strong, playing in the NHL.

AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?
AG: Scoring my first NHL goal. That was against Florida (on Jan. 22, 2013) and (Scott) Clemmensen was the goalie. Just the first NHL goal and my first goal for the Coyotes (Oct. 30, 2018, against Ottawa and goalie Mike Condon). These are pretty special memories.

AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
AG: My whole family has been the biggest influence. It was my dad who put me on skates and spent so much time teaching me how to play the game. Just the whole family overall has been tremendous. They have been so supportive helping my career so far.

AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
AG: Be yourself. Create your identity. Figure out what works for you as a hockey player and stick to it. Just be you.

AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
AG: I watch some football and basketball, but no, no favorite.

AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
AG: Not really. Just a lot of routines, but nothing special.

AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
AG: Depends on what time the game is and whether the game is part of a back-to-back schedule. Things change with the schedule and I don’t try to have anything that’s crazy.

AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?
AG: I like Roka Akor (Japanese) and also like Mastro’s. I found a couple good restaurants here.

AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
AG: Have to have my cell phone and iPad. Some clothes, of course, but nothing crazy.

AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
AG: No, no favorite player playing growing up. My dad always told me to be yourself, and I try to be my own player. Obviously, there are a couple players I liked watching but never tried to mold my game after another player.

Photo/Norm Hall

– Compiled by Mark Brown

(Feb. 7, 2019)