Taking Liberties With… Todd Burgess
TODD BURGESS
Position: Forward, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ECAC Hockey, NCAA Division I)
Hometown: Phoenix
Arizona Youth Team: Jr. Coyotes
Junior Hockey Team: Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL)
NHL Draft: Selected by Ottawa Senators in fourth round (103rd overall) of 2016 NHL Draft
Age: 23
Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Todd Burgess: My favorite hockey memory growing up was having my dad (Scott) coach me through my youth. Was a cool experience going through my early career with him every day I was at the rink.
AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving Arizona?
TB: Winning the national championship my first and last year in Fairbanks playing in the NAHL. Was a great place to play and great group of guys to play with.
AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
TB: My biggest influence on and off the ice is my dad. He’s always watching and letting me know what I’m doing right and what I need to improve on to get to the next level. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now.
AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
TB: Love the game and enjoy every second of being at the rink as you grow as a hockey player.
AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
TB: I do like playing golf in the offseason before it starts getting too hot in the Arizona summers.
AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
TB: I’m a big nap guy before games and put my gear on from right to left as I get dressed.
AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
TB: Get a big breakfast in me when I wake up. Then I head to the rink for a stretch and ride the bike, get home and take a nap. Wake up for pre-game meal, go home and stretch a little more and get mentally ready before heading to the rink.
AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant back home in Arizona?
TB: Angry Crab is one of my favorites along with In-N-Out.
AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
TB: Headphones and phone charger.
AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
TB: Steve Yzerman.
Photo/Liz Brady
– Compiled by Matt Mackinder
(Dec. 10, 2019)