September 12, 2011
Hanging Out With ... John Carlson
by Jesse Connolly/Staff Writer
John Carlson
Washington Capitals
Defenseman
(Colonia, N.J.)
What kind of jobs did you have before you became a pro hockey player?
“I worked at a deli during the summers to keep busy and make some money when I could, but hockey was so vigorous that I usually didn’t have much time with everything going on.”
What was the first car that you owned?
“2005 Nissan Pathfinder that got passed down to me after my brother Andrew moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University.”
If you were running for president, which teammate would you want as your VP?
“I’d have to go with my defense partner Karl Alzner. Not only are we usually a team on the ice but we’re great friends off the ice, and I think that is a characteristic that a president and vice president would need to work together.”
What was your “welcome to the NHL” moment?
“Just stepping onto the ice and looking around and realizing that I was actually there. I’ve played in front of big crowds in nice buildings before, but to start my career at the Verizon Center in front of our home crowd and my family was awesome.”
What do you have to bring with you on the road?
“Well, we wear out suits on the plane so depending on the length of the road trip I can bring anything from a pair shorts and a T-shirt to bringing three suits and five shirts. I always travel with some sort of entertainment as well.”
What do you like to do during the offseason?
“Relax. I know I am speaking for everyone when I say that we need rest after a long grueling season. After that period, it’s just about building up and working out and getting yourself as prepared as possible before training camp starts the following year. Personally, I use this time to see my family and friends I don’t get to see during the year, and I enjoy playing golf and going to the beach.”
If there was a movie made about your life, which actor would you want to see play you? How come?
“Adam Sandler. Ever since I was a kid, I loved every movie he was in. I consider myself a pretty loose, laid-back guy, and in most of his movies, he is in that role. But I would also agree that I am just saying that to meet him one day!”
What’s the best nickname anyone has ever given you?
“I’ve had so many nicknames that I can’t remember them all. In the hockey world, every team that you play with gives you a different nickname. The one I would prefer most is ‘JC.’”
FAVORITES
TV show: “Entourage”
Movie: “The Shawshank Redemption”
Band: Dave Matthews Band
Restaurant: Ronnie’s
Home-cooked meal: Pesto pasta
Vacation spot: Home
Late-night TV host: Conan
Video game: “Tiger Woods ’12”
NHL player growing up: Scott Stevens
Athlete outside of hockey: Tom Brady
IN YOUR BAG
Skates: Bauer
Gloves: Bauer
Stick: Bauer
Helmet: Bauer
This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of New York Hockey Journal.
