Ever wonder what makes a hockey player tick? It's not just about the goals and saves; it's about the person behind the mask. Let's dive into the world of Stuart Skinner, the Penguins' goaltender, and discover the man beyond the ice.
It all started with a friendly exchange. While chatting about his favorite snacks, the conversation flowed naturally, revealing insights into Skinner's personality. His teammate, Caleb Jones, chimed in, highlighting their shared history as 'movie buddies' from their time in Bakersfield. Their bond, forged in the minor leagues, brought a sense of familiarity to Pittsburgh.
Skinner's new teammates quickly recognized his character. Rutger McGroarty praised his incredible personality, making it easy to root for him. Blake Lizotte echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team's full confidence in Skinner.
But let's get to know Skinner a bit better.
First things first, what do his teammates call him? While the fans might call him Stu, in the locker room, he's known as 'Skins' or 'Skinsy.'
Born and raised in the south end of Edmonton, near Terwillegar, Skinner's journey to the NHL was shaped by his hometown. He looked up to NHL players like Dwayne Roloson, Carey Price, Corey Crawford, and Henrik Lundqvist. But here's where it gets interesting: his inspiration came from his love of the game. He was the first goalie in his family, drawn to the position from a young age. He remembers begging his parents to let him play goalie, and eventually, he got his chance.
As the youngest of nine kids, Skinner experienced both the perks and challenges. He got spoiled, but sometimes he had to fight for attention.
And this is the part most people miss... He shares a birthday, November 1st, with the interviewer. This led to a discussion about Halloween and birthdays, revealing his favorite candy: Fuzzy Peaches! His favorite Halloween costume? When his wife was pregnant, they went as a disco dancer and a disco ball!
Skinner also shared his hidden talent: beatboxing! He and his brother learned it as kids and, despite getting worse over the years, it's still a part of him.
He's a fan of Colter Wall and recommends the book 'Project Hail Mary'. His favorite movies include 'Interstellar,' 'Braveheart,' and all the Marvel movies. He enjoys self-help podcasts and orders a sugar-free vanilla latte or a cold brew with vanilla foam from Dunkin'. If he weren't a hockey player, he'd be interested in sports psychology, coaching, or physiotherapy.
What do you think? Does knowing more about a player change how you view them? Share your thoughts in the comments! Are you surprised by any of Skinner's interests or background? Let's discuss!
