Taking Liberties With… Ryan White
RYAN WHITE
Position: Forward, Arizona Coyotes
Acquired: Signed as a free agent on July 1, 2016
Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Age: 28
Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Ryan White: Probably when I was 15 back home (Brandon, Man.) and we ended up winning a national championship. We were not supposed to be that good of a team that year, but things turned out really good for us. Just a kind of Cinderella season.
AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?
RW: Probably playing in the NHL playoffs. I got a chance to play in great rinks in Montreal and Philadelphia. It was a pretty special moment for each game. (NOTE: White appeared in 10 Stanley Cup playoff games with Montreal and six with Philadelphia.)
AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
RW: My parents. They are both blue-collar, hard-working people. My dad was always hauling me around everywhere when I was a kid. He got into trouble one time and it was funny. We were traveling for a junior game and my dad got caught for calling in sick for taking us to the game. Lots of good memories like that, and he is a good example for me to be a hard-working player.
AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
RW: Have fun. I mean, you can’t make a career with something you’re not having fun. Come to the rink every day and try to enjoy it. That’s what kept me in the game for so long. I had so much fun with my buddies growing up and a lot of fun just going to the rink. More fun than anything else.
AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
RW: Getting more into golf and I like fishing quite a bit. Anything that will relax me in the summer. I love watching football, too. Probably golf is the one right now.
AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
RW: Just how I get ready for every game. Same routine when I was a kid and the same exact way. Go through your routine every day and prepare to play that night. Each player kind of prepares differently, so it’s whatever works for you.
AZR: What does your game-day routine like?
RW: Not too much. Come to the rink and basically get ready. Wake up and head to the rink for the morning skate. Get home, have a nice meal, have a little nap and then come to the game. Just try to get my mind and my body for ready for the game.
AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?
RW: We tried a couple, and they’re great. We like Italian. I can’t remember the exact names, but I’m sure I’ll know these places pretty soon.
AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
RW: First, a toothbrush, a few extra pairs of shorts and an extra shirt or two. I’m really a messy eater, so I have to be prepared.
AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
RW: Probably Steve Yzerman (with the Detroit Red Wings). He was always a clutch player and someone I admired.
Photo/Norm Hall
– Compiled by Mark Brown