Stars Story - Matt Niskanen
In this exclusive interview, Dallas Stars Care was able to sit down with Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen to discuss what advice he has for youth hockey players, how he handles failure, and more! Be sure to also read about the invaluable advice he has for handling pressure during big games and also the role his mom had in his success.
Dallas Stars Care: What sports did you play growing up besides hockey?
Matt: “I played hockey baseball and football, and I was really serious about all three of them. I think football was my favorite besides hockey. There was something about playing quarterback in high school football that was unreal.”
Dallas Stars Care: What other sports do you still play today?
Matt: “I like to play softball every once in a while, some golf, and quite a bit of tennis. A bunch of my buddies back home play tennis, but they are really good. They just run me up and down the court. It’s a pretty good workout.”
Dallas Stars Care: When did you start playing hockey exclusively?
Matt: “After I graduated from high school, I went to college to play. At that point I decided to give up the other sports so I could concentrate on hockey. I was a lot better at hockey than any of the other sports.”
Dallas Stars Care: What were your keys to making it to the NHL?
Matt: “I think my biggest thing was my hockey sense and my vision. A lot of that comes from playing pond hockey on outdoor rinks and free unorganized hockey, and playing with your buddies when you can to develop that.”
Dallas Stars Care: Describe the role your parents had in your youth sports experience.
Matt: “My parents were unreal, they never hesitated to give me a ride to practice, and they always let me stay that extra five minutes at the rink. My mom was awesome; she was always there to take me to early morning practices and to pick me up. The first couple years she would even play goalie for me on the ice. My dad was awesome too, because he used to take me to one of the outdoor rinks in town. He had a key to one of the warming shacks, he would drive the Zamboni, and he would flood the rinks early in the fall to get ice. He and his buddies would hang out in the warming shack, and all the kids would be playing hockey. It was a big thing to do growing up.”
Dallas Stars Care: What advice would you give kids playing youth sports today?
Matt: “You have to play as many sports as you can and have fun.”
Dallas Stars Care: What advice do you have for parents of youth sports players?
Matt: “Give your kids tons of support but keep it fun, because as soon as the sport isn’t fun anymore then development slows and it’s not even worth it.”
Dallas Stars Care: How do you handle failure?
Matt: “Recognize when failure happens, and learn from it, but don’t dwell on it too long.”
Dallas Stars Care: What tips do you have for handling pressure during big games?
Matt: “During a big game, I like to stick to the things that I do well. When you play tight and nervous it won’t help your game. You need to relax, take a deep breath, and stick with what works for you.”
Dallas Stars Care: Who would you choose as a role model for kids today in hockey?
Matt: “Probably Sidney Crosby, because aside from being one of the best up-and-coming stars he handles the media so well. He is a gentleman, and the drive and passion he has during a game is incredible. Everyday it seems like he’s just having a blast, and I’m sure he loves what he does.”
Dallas Stars Care: How does “keeping the game fun” play a role in the pros vs. as a kid?
Matt: ”It has to play a role, because you have to have fun. As soon as the game becomes a chore, I don’t think it’s worth it and your playing is going to suffer. If you look at the stars of the NHL, it seems like those guys have the most fun and really enjoy what they do. I’m having the time of my life everyday.”
