LUKE SCHENN
Position: Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes
Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
NHL Draft: Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round pick (fifth overall) in 2008 NHL Draft
Acquired: Signed as free agent with Coyotes on July 23, 2016
Age: 28

READ OUR FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE

Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Luke Schenn: Probably playing for Team Canada at World Juniors. That would be the top one for me. That was the first time I represented Team Canada on that level. We won the gold medal in overtime against Sweden. That’s pretty special for me.

AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?
LS: My first NHL game, and that was pretty special. I remember like it was yesterday. It was the first game of the season and Toronto was in Detroit. (Schenn was a member of the Maple Leafs). That was the night they lifted the Stanley Cup banner and I got to see the whole ceremony. I remember looking across and my first shift was against, I think, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom. I was pretty star-struck. That was my first game and my first memory was watching them raise their Stanley Cup banner.

AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
LS: I always go back to the fact that my dad helped me, especially in minor hockey. He coached my brother (Brayden, now with the St. Louis Blues) and I, and to this day, we still talk and he gives me advice. Obviously, he was the most important person in helping me get to where I am.

AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
LS: It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the surroundings around you. Have your mind set on a goal, put your head down and work as hard as you can to achieve that goal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
LS: I love watching football. I also like playing golf.

AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
LS: No, nothing crazy, and nothing that stands out. Same kind of warmup routine each time I get on the ice.

AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
LS: Nothing crazy. Usually when it’s a home game, I’ll go the rink and come back. I like eating breakfast as my pre-game meal, like bacon, eggs, pancakes, a smoothie, oatmeal, that kind of thing. Then hang out for a while with my son a little bit.

AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?
LS: There are a couple places that I love. One is called The Mission. It’s a good Mexican spot. And another one I’ve been to a couple of times, Virtu (in Old Town Scottsdale). That’s a good spot.

AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
LS: Cell phone charger. Yeah, that’s really important. Shave kit, toothbrush. I take a rosary and cross from my grandfather. He passed away about a year ago and usually bring that with me when I travel.

AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
LS: Yeah, a few. I liked Rob Blake and Chris Pronger as D-men. For forwards, Peter Forsberg and Jarome Iginla.

Photo/Norm Hall

– Compiled by Mark Brown

(March 12, 2018)