Player Rep Spotlight: Chris Terry (Bridgeport Islanders)

Chris Terry is the PHPA Player Representative for the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL.  Prior to becoming one of the most decorated players in AHL history, Terry played four seasons with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL where he won an OHL championship and Captained the team during his final two seasons.  After being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Terry began his professional career in the American Hockey League with Albany. He is currently in his 14^th professional season having played 152 NHL games and over 750 games in the AHL where he has accumulated nearly 700 career points. We asked Chris the following questions…

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

6 years ago, when I was with St John’s, our Player Rep, David Broll asked me to be an Alternate Rep.  That was the first time I got involved with the PHPA. I continued to be an Alternate the following 3 years with Laval and then Grand Rapids.  When I got to Bridgeport, they were in search of a new rep for the upcoming season.  I felt I had a pretty good understanding of what a PHPA Player Rep was at that point, so I was happy to take on the role the past two years in Bridgeport.  My role really is to help my teammates understand the different programs and advantages we have with the PHPA, help younger / newer players understand things like benefits and workers’ comp, and to make sure if any of my teammates have questions or concerns that I am able to help or answer those questions and if I can’t, then putting them in contact with the PHPA who can help. 

How have you enjoyed attending the PHPA Annual Meeting in the past and what are you looking forward to the most at this year’s event?

I have attended the PHPA Annual Meeting one other time.  It was a few years ago and my wife and I really enjoyed it.  The location is awesome in Florida, with the beautiful weather and amazing resort we stay at, it’s a really good time.  I now have a 2-year-old son, so probably most looking forward to seeing him enjoy the pool and all the kids activities to do in the area.  I’m also looking forward to catching up with old teammates and friends from around the league.  It always turns out to be a great time.

What’s your favorite memory from your Junior career with Plymouth?  

My favorite memory from my Plymouth days has to be the season we won the OHL Championship and went on to the Memorial Cup.  It was an incredible team and a really fun ride the whole season.

You made your NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes on March 9, 2013 against the New Jersey Devils.  What do you remember most from your first NHL game?

I don’t think there was just one thing that sticks out from my first NHL game in particular.  It was a whirlwind of a day leading up to the game with nerves and excitement.  From being extremely nervous in warmups and thinking ‘just don’t get in the way’ to scoring my 1st NHL goal in the second period.  With us going on to win the game, having my wife and parents and sister in the crowd made it extra special.  

What are some of the most important things you strive do as a leader and team Captain to help the younger players feel more comfortable on and off the ice?

I think some of the things I try to do on a regular basis is to be a good teammate. Sounds simple enough, but a lot of things go into that.  Being approachable is one thing I really strive to be.  I think as a younger player it can be intimating at times, so making sure younger players feel they can ask questions or voice their concerns at any time is something I value a lot.  The other thing is just being a good professional and leading by example.  I don’t think I have a big voice in the room.  It’s not who I am, so I think that makes it more important to do the little things that your teammates notice.  

At age 34, you just finished your most productive season in terms of points throughout your 14-year career.  What has contributed to your ability to continuously produce at a high level?

Good linemates this season no doubt played an instrumental role in the success I had. The ability to create the chemistry I had with Andy Andreoff was a lot of fun.  We really understood each other’s games and how to complement each other.  That was a lot of fun.  I also think you need a little bit of luck to really stay healthy throughout the season.  The less games missed gives you a better opportunity to stay in routine and have some streaks throughout the season.  Durability is important.

Do you have any hockey superstitions? If so, what are they?

I used to have a lot more superstitions when I was younger, but since I have become a Dad, my game day routine changes day to day depending on what my son wants / needs to do. But I do have routines at the rink and with my warmup and equipment, but again they have become more of a routine than superstition. 

It is evident from your social media that you are a proud family man.  What are some of your favourite things to do with your family?

Anything we do as a family is fun.  But recently my son loves to swing the golf clubs.  So we have been going to the driving range, that’s high on my list.  We have been skating numerous times and that’s high on the list as well.  Any type of sport Brooks and I play is a favorite thing for me to do with him. 

What’s the last book you just couldn’t put down? 

The Phil Mickelson book written by Allan Shipnuck.

You are an avid golfer and even built your own “golf course” in your back yard.  How did you come up with the idea and what went in to building this course? What did you name it?

Well, Covid was the main reason why I built a little par 3 course in the backyard.  It was at the height of Covid when all the golf courses were closed.  So I had to find a way to occupy my time and keep the golf game sharp.  Honestly, I just tried to maximize the space I had in my backyard and stretch out every hole as far as I could.  I was able to fit 5 holes back there with the shortest being like 30 yards and the longest was 70 yards I believe.  With all the free time I had given it was during Covid, I did name the course TerryPines.  Probably not the strongest name out there. 

Dream golf course to play?  

Without a doubt it’s Augusta National. It’s a bucket list item for me to even attend the Masters.

Who are your top 3 favourite professional golfers?

 My 3 favorite golfers have to be Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy and Phil Mickelson.

You have always been an active leader in community development and involved with various charitable initiatives.  Why is it important to you to be involved and how rewarding have those experiences been for you?  

I feel it’s important to integrate yourself into the community you are playing in.  I have played in numerous cities, and I have always felt that if we expect or want the fans to come out and support us as a team and create an atmosphere in the arena we all crave as a player, then we need to be out in the community and be accessible and show that we care and want to be a part of the city or community.  The different charities I have worked with over the years has been extremely rewarding.  Seeing a family or a kid receive a meal at Thanksgiving or presents for Christmas, the look on their faces is hard to put into words with the joy and excitement you see from them.

Who was the funniest / most entertaining / most uplifting player on Bridgeport this past season?  

The funniest teammate I had in Bridgeport has to be Cole Bardreau.  He’s a pretty emotional guy, but he’s quick witted with one liners or responses when it’s needed.