JORDAN OESTERLE
Position: Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes
Hometown: Dearborn Heights, Mich.
NHL Draft: Undrafted, signed as free agent with Edmonton Oilers on March 31, 2014
Acquired: Traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Coyotes along with forward Marian Hossa, forward Vinny Hinostroza and a 2019 third-round pick in exchange for forward Marcus Kruger, forward Jordan Maletta, defenseman Andrew Campbell, forward MacKenzie Entwistle and a 2019 fifth-round draft pick
Last Amateur Team: Western Michigan University (NCAA D-I)
Age: 26

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Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Jordan Oesterle: Before turning pro, probably winning the state championship (in Michigan) as a high school senior with Belle Tire. That was probably the highlight of my hockey experience growing up.

AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?
JO: Actually, I could point to several. My first NHL game, my first game played in Detroit (hometown is nearby Dearborn Heights) or first NHL goal. My first goal was against Edmonton (playing for Chicago), my former team, and it came last year against Cam Talbot. It was kind of full circle to get my first goal against the team that I broke in with.

AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
JO: I would say my parents. They’re both blue-collar and hard-working. The way I grew up, and what they taught gave the value to the things my dad did. Definitely, they are people that I hold up as high as you can.

AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
JO: Just have fun. Obviously, it’s every young kid’s dream is to play in the NHL. You have to grow up, play a ton of sports, have fun and what happens, happens.

AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
JO: No, not really, I played them all, but it all came down to my last two sports, football and hockey. I ended up staying with hockey.

AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
JO: I really don’t have any superstitions. I don’t know if it’s a superstition or just something I do. I always put the left side of my equipment on first before the right. It’s kind of natural for me. If I put the other side on first, it just feels weird.

AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
JO: Pretty simple. I’m pretty easy-going. Most of the time, I nap and take things like that easy. I think some guys have some pretty crazy ones. I don’t have anything like that.

AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?
JO: Nothing yet, really. I caught a couple of good restaurants and I like True Foods. I’ll go there often. Pre-game meal is usually some pasta, some chicken and some veggies and that’s it.

AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
JO: A tie, laptop, chargers, a book and some toiletries. Then, I’m good to go.

AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
JO: It was Nicklas Lidstrom. Growing up in Detroit and in that era, it’s pretty easy to pick one of Red Wings. With me being a defenseman from a young age, I was influenced by the career he was able to have and all the success. It’s hard not to want to model your game after him. When I was younger, I would think if I could have one-third of the career he had, that would be terrific. He was definitely an idol of mine growing up.

Photo/Norm Hall

– Compiled by Mark Brown

(Jan. 11, 2019)