David Brown is a first year pro with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He plays for their AHL team, the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Brown had a sensational four seasons with Notre Dame College (he was a runner-up for the Hobey Baker Award given to the top player in the nation). He graduated with a Science degree. He is from Hamilton, Ontario.
Here is his entry:
My pre-game routine starts the night before the game. I make grilled chicken and pasta for dinner with some water to drink, and then I watch a movie to relax and unwind. After, I take a shower and begin my mental preparation, listening to the different sounds that are produced by the running water and the water hitting the back of my ears etc. I go to bed shortly after.
The next morning I am at the rink for a pre-game skate. After, I go to Olive Garden (at home), or the team pre-game meal (on the road). I then go to bed and sleep for about 2.5 hrs. I get up from the nap and watch some game film to get in the right frame of mind by visually seeing myself make saves. I then shower for around 45 minutes. This is a much more intense version of the shower the night before. It is where I really get myself ready mentally. I focus on the sounds of the water and go through plays in my mind.
I then drive to the rink where I get unchanged and eat a bagel with peanut butter or a power bar. I tape my stick and listen to a pre-selected playlist on my ipod. I then get dressed and give myself a little pep talk before I pull my jersey over my head. I usually stay quiet and keep to myself after pre-game skate. I then lead the team out of the tunnel prepared and ready to play to the best of my abilities.
