Nathan Paetsch of the Grand Rapids Griffins is currently playing in his 14^th season of professional hockey.  The veteran defenseman who has 167 games of NHL experience and a Calder Cup ring answers our “10 Questions” including Game 7’s, playing in Europe, and how his role as a veteran in the AHL has evolved.

1. What drew you to the sport of hockey growing up in rural Saskatchewan?

I grew up in the small town of LeRoy and hockey was just something everyone did as a kid. It was as normal as going to school everyday.

2. Although only playing 1 NHL game during the 2005-06 regular season, you were recalled from Rochester to play in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against Carolina. Can you describe the feeling of being thrust into a situation like that?

I was obviously extremely nervous, but excited at the same time. It was only my 2nd NHL game and I missed the last couple weeks of the season with an ankle injury so I hadn’t played a game at any level in a long time. Luckily adrenaline took over and kept me from over thinking anything during the game.

3. What was it like to score your first NHL goal?

It was a bit of a relief to be honest. I had gone a few months without scoring. It was Hockey Night in Canada playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs with all my friends and family watching. Definitely a moment I’ll never forget.  

4. What is the best piece of advice you have received from a coach or mentor?

Best advice I ever got was this simple quote: “Never to high and never to low, hockey can be a roller coaster as can life and there will be good days and bad you just have to try and not let it take over you.”

5. What was your European hockey experience like and is there any advice you could give to other players thinking of playing there?

I loved my time over in Germany. We were able to travel and see so many amazing places throughout Europe. Best advice I could give anyone going over there is to keep an open mind and make sure they set up your Internet before you get there.  

6. Have you had experiences with the PHPA throughout your career? Does it reassure you knowing that a union represents AHL players?

I’ve used the PHPA several times mostly in regards to medical bills. Everyone has always been extremely helpful. I think we are very fortunate to have a strong union backing us.

7. Aside from hockey, what sort of things do you enjoy doing in your downtime/the offseason?

In the off-season I love just relaxing with my family. I have two children and we travel a lot during the hockey season so the summer is family time to swim or do whatever the kids want to do. 

8. As a veteran guy, what types of things do you do on and off the ice to help mentor the younger players?

Being around this league for a long time I’ve obviously seen a lot of young guys come through and move on. As a young guy lots of them run into difficult times early on. Whether it’s not playing a lot or not having the success right away like they were used to before pro hockey.  I just try to share my experiences with them and the experiences of other players I’ve seen that may of started out similar to them and ended up having successful careers in the NHL. 

9. How did it feel to win the Calder Cup with Grand Rapids and did you get to have a day with the Cup?  If so, how did you celebrate?

Winning the Calder cup was the most amazing feeling. It’s something that I will always cherish. You work so hard and come together as a team and to be able to win that last game and hoist the cup is incredible. I was lucky to be able to have a day with the cup. We had friends and family over and just enjoyed the day in the backyard swimming and hanging out.

10. Do you have any game day rituals or superstitions?

I have a few weird superstitions, especially when we are on a win streak. We have won the last two games in a row and I’ve allowed my 3-year-old daughter to pick out my clothes for both games. Last game I wore a blue striped shirt with a purple-checkered tie and a grey jacket with a brown watch. I can only imagine what combination I will be wearing next game. 

11. What was it like to play for Don Cherry in the CHL Top Prospects game?  What stands out to you most from that experience?

I grew up sitting around the TV every Saturday night waiting for Coach’s Corner. Our family never missed it. We were all huge Don Cherry fans. It was just such a surreal experience to be able to meet him and have him be my coach.

12. Who is the funniest teammate you have ever played with throughout your pro career and why?

I would hands down have to say Andrew Peters is the funniest player I’ve ever played with. He lived with my wife and I during training camp one year and there was never a dull day.