Behind enemy lines: Alex DeBrincat on Kirby Dach
KANATA – Despite some heated battles on the ice, opposing NHL players often forge lasting friendships off the ice.
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So we thought it would be interesting to do some scouting to occasionally meet a Canadiens opponent from a friendly opponent from another club. Today: Ottawa Senators forward Alex DeBrincat on former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Kirby roof.
Did you know Kirby before he played for Chicago?
No I haven’t.
What were your first impressions of him?
I think he was pretty funny. He was very young at the time and, you know, a fun guy who went with the flow. Of course, when I saw him on the ice, you can see his skill and everything he can do with the puck. So I guess those were the first few things I thought about him.
Who is more likely to collect the bill in the restaurant?
Probably me. I would say I would pick it up more. To be honest, we usually played credit cards, so I think that was a big deal in Chicago. Whenever we went to dinner, we always played the credit card game. So it’s kind of hit and miss at this point. But I’m saying that if it was just the two of us, or maybe another guy, I’d probably foot the bill.
Seems like Kirby got lucky when you guys were playing the credit card game back then, doesn’t it?
Yes, for the most part. You know he’s so young and I was in the NHL for a few years. So feel free to treat the young folks to some dinners. Boys used to do that for me when I was younger, and you pass it on. Well, I think it’s a nice courtesy.
Which one of you two has the bigger appetite?
Oh, I would say probably him. He’s quite a big boy and can probably put out more food than I can [laughs].
Who has the best sense of fashion?
Ah, I would say him. I’m not a big fashion guy. I like a few things, but I don’t really shop much. And I know that he was also good friends with my roommate Adam Boqvist. Boqvist was totally into fashion. So they fed each other and shopped a lot together.
What did you do for fun outside of the ice rink?
If it’s nice outside, maybe play golf. Having said that, during the season I feel like we only met for dinner and not too much. I think it’s so busy during the season. So it’s hard to really get out and do other things, but we would go to some dinners. Obviously, Chicago is a great place for good food, and that’s what we did while hanging out.
What’s one thing you miss and don’t miss about Kirby?
I would say one thing I miss about him is just his attitude on the rink. He is usually in a good mood, just enjoys playing hockey. One thing I don’t miss about him is maybe looking at his facial hair every day. Not the best beard. Well, that’s one thing I’ll give it to him for.
Do you train together in the summer?
Yes, we have. We have the same coach but we didn’t train together most of the time because he’s back home and I was back home. Shortly before the season we sometimes trained together.
What nickname do you call him by?
Maybe just Kirb or Dacher. Just the basics.
Who would win a fight between you two?
Oh, that’s a good question. He’s a lot taller than me, but I’d like to say I’m a little bit tougher than him… No, I think he’d probably win [laughs]. I think he has the reach and weight on me so I’d say he’d probably win. He’s not afraid to get involved either. Normally I’d say I’d win on some of the softer guys, but he’s pretty okay with getting into the fight and he’s pretty strong too.
