From the Ice Rinks of Calgary to the Alps of Naters: NHL Players Share Their Hometown Stories
The National Hockey League (NHL) stars open up about their cherished childhood memories, reflecting on the impact of their hometowns and the unique experiences that shaped their sporting journeys.
A Hockey Town's Legacy
Victor Hedman, a standout defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning, reminisces about his hometown of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, a place where hockey reigns supreme. With a population of just over 50,000, this small town has produced an extraordinary number of hockey legends, including Hedman himself, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Peter Forsberg, and Victor Olofsson. Hedman describes the town's charm: "Everything is so close. I can bike to school and hockey practice. The history of hockey here is incredible for a town of this size. It's the best place, and the sun never seems to set, making it a truly special place."
Outdoor Adventures and Skating
For players from colder regions, outdoor skating and hockey during winter were integral parts of their upbringing. Cale Makar, a rising star for the Colorado Avalanche and a key member of Team Canada, shares his love for outdoor rinks in Calgary, Alberta: "Growing up in Calgary, I spent countless hours on outdoor rinks in the winter. It's a passion for Canadians, and it's where I made friends and enjoyed my time. The extra ice time, anywhere in the city, was a highlight."
Jack Eichel, a forward for Team USA and the Vegas Golden Knights, grew up in Massachusetts, a traditional hockey hub. He recalls playing pond hockey, a common pastime in his town: "We had numerous ponds, and I played a lot of pond hockey as a kid. We'd gather kids from around town, and there was a pond behind a firehouse near Roberts Field in Chelmsford. We'd play all day when it froze over. It was a lot of fun and filled with fond memories."
Minor Hockey and Mixed Sports
Sam Reinhart, Makar's teammate on Team Canada and the Florida Panthers, grew up in West Vancouver, British Columbia, and his hockey memories revolve around the Hollyburn Country Club: "I played minor hockey there, with a bigger ice rink and a smaller one. Most games were on the bigger rink, but on Friday nights, the Bantam A team played, followed by the Midget A team. After the Midget game, I'd take half my gear off and play on the smaller rink for another few hours, just for fun with friends. There was always access to ice, and those were some of my best memories."
Nico Hischier, captain of the New Jersey Devils, grew up in an Alpine community in Switzerland. He enjoys the environment and a variety of sports: "My hometown is Naters in the Valais province. I love playing hockey and soccer (football, as we call it here)! I grew up in the Alps, so I also enjoy skiing. My favorite memories are from when I was young, trying out different sports around my hometown."
Football and Small-Town Life
Lukáš Dostál, a goalie for the Anaheim Ducks and Czechia, grew up in a small village near Brno, Czech Republic. Football was his preferred pastime: "I was born in Brno but moved to Bedřichovice, a tiny village with around 300 people. I spent a lot of time playing soccer with my friends. It was a small place, so I was always outside."
A Transient Childhood
Quinn Hughes, captain of the Vancouver Canucks and a member of Team USA's provisional roster, had a transient childhood due to his father's work. He was born in Florida but spent time in various cities, including Boston and Toronto. Hughes reflects on his hockey beginnings in Toronto: "We moved to Toronto when I was 8 to 15 years old. It's like the hockey capital of the world, and it was fun growing up there. I played mini sticks with my brothers, Jack and Luke, who also play for the New Jersey Devils."
European Players' Homecoming
Some European players, like Germany's JJ Peterka and Lukas Reichel, and Switzerland's JJ Moser, choose to return to their hometowns every year. Peterka and Reichel call the area around Munich their home: "I go back to Munich every off-season and live downtown. My favorite memories are from hanging out with friends and growing up in the city."
Reichel adds: "I go back in the summer. I live near Munich in a small village. I love going to the mountains, the lake, mountain biking, and seeing my friends."
Moser, a defenceman for the Tampa Bay Lightning, shares his love for Biel: "I'm in Biel every summer from June to August. It's three months of great memories from my childhood, with consistent routines and easy access to school and lunch."
These hometown stories remind us that the 'little things' in life can have a profound impact on athletes, shaping their journeys and carrying their hometowns with them wherever they go.
