Kyle MacKinnon is about to embark on his fifth season of professional hockey after signing with the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls who will play their inaugural AHL season in 2015-16, along with 4 other California based teams in the newly created Pacific Division. MacKinnon broke into the League with the Providence Bruins at the end of the 2010-11 season, and spent the past 2 seasons with the St. John’s Ice Caps.  MacKinnon represented his Ice Caps teammates at the 2015 PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives this past June and sat down with the PHPA to answer these 10 questions:

1.  When you were young, who was your favorite hockey player?

My favorite hockey player growing up was Scott Niedermayer.  He was such a smooth skater and then came to my hometown team in Anaheim and helped them win a Stanley Cup.

2.  Do you have any hobbies, other talents, or interests outside of hockey?

The activity that I enjoy the most away from the rink is golf.  I have been playing it most of my life and I could even see myself going into that industry once my hockey playing career is over.

3.  Describe returning home to play in California this season and what it means to join the new San Diego Gulls franchise?

Getting the opportunity to play in San Diego this year is something I never really thought would be possible.  I am 27 years old and haven’t spent a full year in California since my early high school years so it is really special.  To be close to friends and family while pursuing my dream is something not everyone gets to experience, so I am very grateful and excited.

4.  Do you have any game-day rituals or superstitions?

I am pretty low key when it comes to game day rituals or superstitions.  However, I do look forward to my wife’s cooking.  Her pregame chicken pesto is the best part of my preparation!

5.  What are some of the things you like to do before and after games?

Before games I like to spend a little time visualizing what I need to do in order to help our team be as successful as it can be.  As far as after games, just getting to come home to my wife and my dog is always nice.  They are great at making you feel good whether you won or lost.

6.  What are your favorite TV shows?

Some of the new TV shows I enjoy are True Detective and Modern Family, but I also love watching marathon re-runs of Seinfeld and The King of Queens.

7.  As a PHPA Player Representative, what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

As a team Player Rep, you just want to be knowledgeable with our League’s CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) as well as know the medical coverage afforded to players so you can help inform your teammates, especially the new ones just entering the league, on what they are entitled to as well as answer any of their questions or concerns.  Then when you attend Player Rep meetings and conferences, you can help represent not just your hopes for change but the feelings of all players, present and future.  

8.  If you weren’t a hockey player, what do you think you would be doing career wise instead?

If I wasn’t a hockey player, I would probably be a PGA golf professional.  Golf is a real passion of mine.  It is even something I will look into after my playing career is over.  I would love to be a club pro at my local club one day.

9.  What are your goals heading into the season?

What I am most looking forward to is another season with the chance to make the NHL.  I know you only get so many years to play this game and I feel privileged to be entering my fifth year.  I feel like I have entered my prime, and feel like I am going to my have my best season individually, which will help our San Diego team have a great first season.  

10.  Who has been the most fun teammate you have ever played with throughout your career (and why)?

Bobby Robins is by far the best teammate I have played with during my career.  Most guys know Bobby as an ‘on-the-edge’ player who loves to fight to help create energy and momentum for his team, but I had the privilege to live with him during my second year in Providence and get to know the man behind the fists if you will.  We had so many great conversations not only about hockey but about life and perspective on things. He has a great story as far as his hockey goes and he is such a great man and father.  I am really glad our careers crossed paths the way they did.

Bonus Question: Perhaps a “10 Questions” segment with Bobby Robins should be in the works?

Definitely!