PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Joey Sides (Kansas City Mavericks)

Joey Sides of the Kansas City Mavericks is enjoying his 9^th season of professional hockey which has spanned many leagues including the Central Hockey League, American Hockey League, European leagues, and now the ECHL. Prior to turning pro, the 33-year old from Sun Valley, Idaho also played in the NCAA for the Wentworth Institute of Technology, captaining the team for three seasons.

How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

Kansas City needed a representative at the start of the season and I’ve been alternate for some teams in the past, so I was happy and comfortable to step into the role. Some responsibilities include getting guys enrolled with the PHPA, holding a meeting at the start of the season to fill players in on what the PHPA is and what it does for us. From the Collective Bargaining Agreement to the benefits that we receive as well as extra support in areas like the Continuing Education Program, help hotlines and planning for life after hockey.

What was your major or area of study while at Wentworth?

I majored in Construction Management. My Dad and older brother were always involved in construction. Growing up I spent some of my summers in Tucson, AZ, working for my brother and his construction company so CM seemed like the right fit for me.

Why do you think you were named team Captain as a sophomore at Wentworth? What did that mean to you and what did you do to stand out among your teammates?

We had a great group of seniors when I was a freshman at Wentworth and I think they had some say in the Captains for the following season. I cared a lot about the program, played hard every game, and believed in our group of guys; maybe they saw that in me. It was an honor to be a Captain at Wentworth those three years and having the support of my teammates the whole way through made the job easy.

Who is the best team leader you have ever played with and why?

Chris Bartalone, he was the Captain my rookie season in Arizona. He had such a veteran presence and leadership quality about him. He could play the game as hard as anyone, while having a smooth and finesse skill set at the same time. He would be stern when he needed to, but also had jokes that would have the whole room cracking up other times. He did a great job of leading and being someone to look up to, while keeping the locker room environment light. That’s such an important balance to have and something I learned from him for sure.

Do you have any crazy / funny stories from your time playing hockey in Europe?

After playing a couple seasons overseas I’ve seen things from the the star of the game getting a case of beer, to players running the bar taps and getting behind the DJ booth at the nightclub that sponsored our team.

One of my favorite memories was in Scotland when we started our own dart league at the apartments. With a trophy, new set of darts and £1500 for the winners, guys took it almost as serious as the hockey. It’s a cool experience playing overseas, getting to see different cultures and different parts of the world. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it.

It seems you and your family have a large connection in the music industry. What is this connection and is there a preferred genre in the family?

We grew up with a constant flow of music in our house. My mom is a Rock N Roller to the core and always put music on after dinner while we did the dishes. Then she'd pull us in the living room to dance. My dad played the acoustic guitar and loved Elvis and Queen. When I was younger, I took piano lessons but didn't stick with it. However, I recently took it back up and taught myself music production. Making music has become a big passion of mine and something I enjoy doing when I’m away from the rink. My sister, Molly, would always sing around the house growing up, but took it to another level a few years back when she started a band called Thunderpussy. They just released their debut album and have toured nationally and internationally playing in major music festivals like ACL, Sasquatch, CalJam, Voodoo Fest among others. They have airtime on Pearl Jam radio, were featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and were named NPR’s top 10 new artists of 2018. I was fortunate enough to go on tour with them last summer as Tour Manager which was an amazing experience. Their sound is awesome. If you haven't heard of them you should check them out!

What’s the best concert you have ever experienced and why?

Thunderpussy at Sasquatch Music Festival in 2016 was an incredible experience! Watching my sister perform on the Main Stage and looking around at the massive production while she was singing on giant video screens with the Gorge and Columbia River as the backdrop was such a proud and memorable moment. It beats anything I’ve ever seen. Although, Tom Petty and Stevie Winwood at the Garden in Boston is a close second.

Of all the hockey markets you have played in, which one has been your favorite and why?

The Colorado Eagles. They have a great organization and Fort Collins is an awesome town. I loved living in the mountains, with all the recreation in the area like going fishing and hiking. It created a good balance away from the rink. Their fan base was amazing as well. Every game was packed and full of energy. That’s also why I chose to come to Kansas City. Their passionate fan base, energy in the building and professional organization are all comparable to that of the Eagles. I couldn't be happier to be playing here right now.

Who was your favorite hockey player growing up?

I had two. Wayne Gretzky and Joe Sakic. Growing up watching Gretzky fly on the ice, putting up 2-3 points a night made it easy for him to be a favorite. I was six when I saw my first NHL game, it was the Sharks vs the Kings. I remember he made the game look remarkably easy and was so smooth, it was fun to watch. During the 1994-95 lockout he came to my hometown on vacation and I was fortunate enough to meet him. He brought his family over to my house and skated on my backyard rink a couple times. He was such a kind and generous guy to spend the day playing hockey with me and my buddies. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Once Nordiques moved to Colorado, the Avalanche became the closest team to me and Sakic became a new favorite player. His quick release, speed and shifty moves were some things I would try and emulate when I was younger working on my skills. He’s the reason I wear 19 and probably the reason I use that curve too.

What’s been your favorite personal hockey memory?

Winning back to back New England Championships when I was at Avon Old Farms in High School. I scored a goal during the championship game that gave us some breathing room and it’s definitely one of my favorite hockey moments. We had a talented group of guys on those two teams, some that went on to have very successful careers in pro hockey.

Your LinkedIn profile shows that you were a Fly Fishing Guide. What did that job entail and is fly fishing something you enjoy doing during the off-season?

Fly Fishing has been a passion of mine ever since my Junior year at Avon when one of my teachers introduced it to me. The last couple summers I’ve been fortunate enough to be a guide and take people fishing around the local rivers in my home town area. As a Fly Fishing Guide I teach people how to cast, read the rivers, fly selection, set the hook and properly handle the fish. It’s an amazing summer gig and watching someone catch their first fish never gets old.

Any game-day rituals or superstitions?

Not really, I try not to be superstitious and not give into outside factors that shouldn’t have any bearing on my ability to play. Routines would be chicken, rice and veggies for a meal, solid pre-game nap, same dynamic warm up and a game of sewer ball (two touch) with the guys. Maybe some icy hot to get these old bones fired up.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from someone?

Believe in yourself, always do your best and don’t let anyone get in the way of your dreams.

Favorite musical artist/podcasts?

Flume, Joe Rogan and Spittin Chiclets