Mathieu Brodeur is in the midst of a professional hockey career that began in 2010 with the San Antonio Rampage.  Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, the native of Montreal, Quebec has also played for the Las Vegas Wranglers, Portland Pirates, Chicago Wolves, and this past season with the Adirondack Thunder and Albany Devils.  Brodeur served as Adirondack’s PHPA Player Representative this past season, and sat down with PHPA.com to answer the following 10 Questions…

1. Growing up, which NHL did team did you cheer for and who were some of your favourite players?  Why did they stand out as your favourite?

Growing up my favourite NHL team was the Montreal Canadiens. Living in the Montreal area made my dad and I fans. I didn’t really have a favourite player growing up, I was just a fan of the entire team.

2. How did it feel to be drafted to the NHL by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008?

To be drafted in 2008 was surreal! The draft was in Ottawa and because it was so close to home, I had the chance to live in the moment with all my family and friends.

3. You spent a season with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers.  How did you enjoy playing there and what are your thoughts on professional hockey going back to Vegas with an NHL expansion team?

Playing in Vegas was really fun. We had a good crowd and I’m sure that the NHL will do well there. It’s a good market for a franchise I think.

4. Is there any advice that a coach has given to you throughout your hockey career that really resonated or stuck with you?

I think the best advice I received from one of my coaches was that my stick will be my biggest strength as a tall player.

5. How do you prepare for games? Do you have any pre/post game routines, superstitions or rituals that you follow?

Before games I like to keep it casual.  I arrive two and a half hours before the puck drop, tape my sticks, drink my coffee, play soccer, warm up, and then get dressed.  I would say I am a quiet guy before games and I don’t like to laugh too much because it can throw me off my game.

6. Can you describe the most exciting game or game situation you have ever been part of?

Game 7 last year with Adirondack against South Carolina was a really good hockey game. The whole series was fun to play. It was a long and physical series, which I think is what made it so fun.

7. How did you enjoy attending the 2016 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives this past June in Orlando, Florida and what did you take away from the experience?  What was your favourite part?

The Annual Meeting was a really good learning experience. It’s always pleasant to hear different stories from different guys and members of the PHPA.  My favourite part was the meet and greet because that’s where you get to share ideas or thoughts with the players about their teams, the League and share more stories of course.

8. What are some of the things you like to do with your downtime during the off-season? What is your perfect idea of relaxation?

During the off-season I like to play golf and spend time with my family and friends. A good idea of relaxation for me is a movie marathon on a rainy day with my wife and my dog.

9. Who would you say is the funniest player you’ve ever played with during your pro career and why?

I honestly can’t pick one. I am an easy crowd so there is always a few guys on the team whom I think are hilarious. I will name Chris Summers and Luke Curadi who were certainly two of the funniest ones I’ve ever played with.

10. Going forward, what are your goals for this upcoming season?

For this upcoming season, my goal would be to win a championship. I think it will be my goal every year until I stop playing.