Taking Liberties With… Vinnie Hinostroza
VINNIE HINOSTROZA
Position: Forward, Arizona Coyotes
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Acquired: Traded from the Chicago Blackhawks on July 12, 2018 with forward Marian Hossa, defenseman Jordan Oesterle and a third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft to the Coyotes for defenseman Andrew Campbell, forward Marcus Kruger, forward Jordan Maletta, forward MacKenzie Entwistle and a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft
NHL Draft: Selected by Chicago in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft
Last Amateur Team: University of Notre Dame (then in Hockey East, NCAA D-I)
Age: 25
Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Vinnie Hinostroza: That was winning my first state championship. Maybe it was Minor Squirt, I can’t remember. We felt like we were playing in the NHL and they did a light show and stuff. I remember winning that and was a lot of excitement.
AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving college hockey?
VH: My first NHL game and scoring my first NHL goal. The goal was in Vancouver and I’ll never forget that. I don’t remember the goalie, though.
AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?
VH: My grandfather. We just spent so much time together and he drove me to the rink all the time. He is such was good man and really supported me in everything I did.
AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?
VH: Don’t listen to all of the outside noise and distraction and people telling you can’t do something. Just go for whatever you want to do.
AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
VH: Played football in high school, so I would have to pick football.
AZR: Do you have any superstitions?
VH: No. I just have to take a nap before every game.
AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?
VH: Come to the rink and have a meeting or a skate in the morning. Go back, eat some lunch and watch some TV or play video games and then take a two-hour nap. Then, go back to the rink.
AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?
VH: My favorite restaurant is probably Roku (in Scottsdale). It’s a mission.
AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?
VH: Just received a Kindle, and so I’m reading more. I take my iPad to watch movies.
AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?
VH: That was Patrick Kane.
Photo/Norm Hall
— Compiled by Mark Brown
(July 15, 2019)