Michael Paliotta enters his second season at the professional level after signing with the New York Rangers during the off-season.  He capped off a successful rookie campaign with the Lake Erie Monsters by winning the AHL Calder Cup this past spring.  He recorded an assist in his first NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks following his senior year at the University of Vermont, where he was named team captain and won several NCAA awards that same year.  We asked Michael 10 questions…

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

Growing up in Connecticut, I rooted for the New York Rangers.  Guys like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, and later Wayne Gretzky were my idols.  I was the first one in my family to take an interest in hockey and really looked up to those players, and that’s why I wanted to play hockey.  To be like them.

2. What is your favourite memory from playing 4-years at the University of Vermont?

In my Junior year, we made the NCAA Tournament, then in my Senior year our team had over 20 wins.  We improved from being one of the bottom teams in my first year to being a Nationally recognized team in my Senior year.

3. What was your major / area of study?

Entrepreneurship and Economics.

4. What was it like to play your first NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks, and record your first NHL point in the same game?

It was really cool.  Right after the College season ended, I joined Chicago for the final two months of the season.  You work your whole life to make the NHL, so it was really special to have my family at the game.  Recording a point was just the cherry on top.  It was a night I’ll never forget.

5. How did it feel to win the Calder Cup with Lake Erie this year?  How did you celebrate on and off the ice?

It was really special, especially as a rookie.  I am very grateful to have been part of the team as we had some veterans on the team who have been around the league a long time who won their first Calder Cup.  We hit our stride at the right time.  Family and friends were invited onto the ice following the game to celebrate with the team and have pictures taken with the Cup, and later, off the ice, we were together celebrating as a team for the next few days.  It was a fun time!

6. You were signed by the New York Rangers to a one-year, two-way deal.  Why the Rangers and what have you been working on to prepare for this upcoming season?

I felt that signing with the Rangers was the best opportunity for me if I continue to progress and play the way I am capable of playing.  I’ve been training all summer long in Stamford, CT with Ben Prentiss who I have been working with for the past 7 years now, who also trains a good group of NHL and AHL players which makes for a great training environment.

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

I try not to be too superstitious.  It can be counterproductive if the circumstances aren’t there.  I try to stick to a general routine, have my coffee, tape my sticks, go through a stretch routine, try to stay relaxed, and just focus on the game. 

8. Did you had any interaction or experiences with the PHPA during your rookie year?

This was only my first year of pro so I didn’t have too much interaction with the PHPA other than during our team meeting at the beginning of the season.  I know I don’t know as much as I should about what the PHPA provides to players, but I know some of my teammates have had very positive experiences with them.

9. What are some of the things you like to do with your downtime during the off-season?  

In the summer, I love to golf.  I just try to take the time to relax, and hang out with friends and family as I don’t get to see them much during the season.

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

Nick Moutrey, who I played with this past year in Lake Erie is the first player that comes to mind.  He’s a real character and kept the locker room light all year long.  He’s a great guy to be around, and I know the guys really appreciate his humour.