ERIC COMRIE
Position: Goaltender, Manitoba Moose (AHL)
Age: 20
Hometown: Newport Beach (Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Last Amateur Team: Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Youth Teams: LA Hockey Club/LA Selects

California Rubber: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?
Eric Comrie: Winning two national championships with my (youth) teams.

CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California?
EC: The biggest one would definitely be winning World Juniors (in 2015) with Team Canada, winning the gold medal.

CR: What was it like playing against a U.S. team that had a goalie in Thatcher Demko that you grew up playing against in California?
EC: It was really exciting. Thatcher’s a great goaltender, and it was really exciting for us to play against each other.

CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?
EC: The biggest one is just have fun. At the end of the day, if you’re not having fun in this game, you’re not going to get better, you’re not going to enjoy going to the rink, you’re not going to be able to compete your hardest. And that’s really big. People say it all the time, but it’s really true. Go out there and enjoy what you do because you play your best when you’re enjoying what you do.

CR: Who has been the biggest influence on you on and off the ice?
EC: I think my dad (Bill) has been the biggest influence on me. He’s always pushed me really hard and made sure I’ve done my best, but he’s also helped me understand there’s more to life than just hockey. He’s never forced me to do anything, but he’s always been there to help me improve myself.

CR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?
EC: I really enjoy ping pong a lot. I know it’s not an active, athletic sport, but I really enjoy it. I play it as much as I can whenever I get the chance.

CR: Do you and Chase De Leo (Comrie’s Moose and LA Hockey teammate) play?
EC: No, I’ve got to buy a table. I’d beat Chase at ping pong – he’s not great.

CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about?
EC: All of it. I’m very particular about my gear. I know what I like, and I get a little bit upset when it’s not the way I like it.

CR: What are essential items to take on a road trip?
EC: I need my phone, my iPad and my toothbrush and toothpaste. Headphones also are a must, and so is my Compex, a muscle stimulator.

CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?
EC: The food in California is so unbelievable, but when you’re away so long, a nice home-cooked meal by mom is something you look forward to the most. My mom is good at making at everything. Her meals are spectacular.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?
EC: When I was young, I was a big Marty Brodeur fan. Then as I got older and I saw Carey Price play, I became a big Carey Price fan. Of course, when my brothers (Paul and Mike) played in the NHL, they were always my favorite players. But my favorite goaltenders were Brodeur and Price.

CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey?
EC: I’ve really enjoyed the switch to pro hockey. I’m a very independent person, and I’ve always liked things a certain way. Living at a billet was awesome for me, and my billet did a great job preparing me for pro hockey, but I like being on my own, having my own routine.

Photo/Jonathan Kozub

— Compiled by Chris Bayee