CHRISTIAN FISCHER
Position: Forward, Arizona Coyotes/Tucson Roadrunners
Acquired: Drafted by Coyotes in the second round (32nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft
Hometown: Wayne, Ill.
Age: 19

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Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Christian Fischer: I’d probably say in 2010 when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. I was at the game and that was the first time they won the Cup in a while. So it was pretty cool to see that.

AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?
CF: My first pro goal. I scored that in the AHL. I left Windsor (OHL) after we got knocked out in the playoffs. I ended up scoring my first pro goal after about five, six games in the AHL. So that was pretty cool.

AZR: What’s your take on setting a Winnipeg/Arizona franchise record with a goal in each of your first two games?
CF: Obviously, it’s pretty cool. I mean, you really don’t think about it. Just go out and play your game. I was told about that about the record, so that was pretty cool to go down like that.

AZR: Who has been the biggest influence on you, on and off the ice?
CF: I’d say my father. He’s been with me through every hockey decision and every hockey journey I’ve had. He was at my first NHL game (Jan. 21 against Tampa Bay). He’s been with me through it all and is a great guidance for me.

AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
CF: It’s pretty simple. Just work hard. A guy like myself that does not have too much skill and not an unbelievable shot has to make up for that. I just work hard and play with the skills I have. When it comes down to it, you have to be able to work hard in this game. That’s how you make it.

AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
CF: I love golf. Play a lot of golf in the summer. So if hockey wasn’t there, I’d probably pursue something in golf.

AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
CF: I do not have any superstitions. I know many players have these, like putting on equipment in a certain way or taping sticks in a certain way. I don’t have any superstitions. Whatever happens, happens. I just go with the flow.

AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
CF: We have breakfast there at the rink and have our pre-game skate. Then about five or six guys go to Maggiano’s (in Scottsdale). We just sit there at the bar. Christian Dvorak and myself share a Caesar salad together and we just eat, go home, take a nap, show up at the rink and play.

AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
CF: I’d say obviously suits. You have to bring a couple and I’ve been known to spill a couple of dinners on myself. You can’t go the game with sauce on your shirt. So a couple of suits and usually your travel bag for shaving, toothbrush and stuff like that.

AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
CF: It was Patrick Kane. Being from Chicago and going to all of the games, he was great. Just watching him do his thing was pretty amazing.

AZR: What about your hometown Cubs winning the World Series?
CF: Awesome, it’s been a long time coming. I can’t imagine guys at 80, 90 years old that have been watching the Cubs for that long. I’m pretty fortunate because I’m only 19 and got to see that. Pretty cool and nice to get that.

AZR: Did you get to Wrigley Field often?
CF: In the summer, we get to go out. Just head to the bleachers and take off your shirt if you want. It’s pretty nice.

Photo/Norm Hall

– Compiled by Mark Brown