Taking Liberties With… Trevor Moore
TREVOR MOORE
Position: Forward, Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League)
Hometown: Thousand Oaks
Last Amateur Team: University of Denver (NCHC)
Youth Teams: Ventura Mariners, LA Hockey Club/LA Selects
California Rubber: How did your first season of pro hockey go?
Trevor Moore: I think my first season went pretty well. I got adjusted pretty well and really enjoyed the city of Toronto. It’s a lot of games, but I made a lot of new friends up here.
CR: How much has it helped you playing with and against all of the Maple Leafs’ high-level prospects at NHL training camps and practices as well as during your time in the AHL?
TM: It’s helped me a ton. It’s not just the games, but the practices, too. When you have that many high-quality players, it definitely makes you better. There’s a lot of competition here, which is a good thing. Down the road, you’re going to be a better hockey player for it.
CR: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?
TM: There were a few good ones. Playing in the Quebec (International Pee-Wee Hockey) Tournament was one of the highlights. We didn’t win it, but we came in second. Won a couple of national championships as well.
CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California?
TM: A lot of good stuff happened at Denver. The Frozen Four (in 2016) was pretty cool, just a cool experience. Playing North Dakota – a huge rivalry game – made it more special.
CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you on and off the ice?
TM: I think all my coaches brought different stuff. Sandy Gasseau recruited me. He was an awesome guy. Rick Kelly, same thing, good offensive mind. Louis Pacella was a good guy, drove me to practice sometimes. I can’t leave Bill Comrie out of that mix, he’s really smart in the game.
CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?
TM: Whenever I talk to them or their parents, I’ll tell them to have fun. It’s the most important thing. The game gets way more serious as you move up. Don’t get burned out young. Have fun and enjoy the game.
CR: Are there any quirks in your game-day routine?
TM: I’m not really a superstitious guy. I try to get dressed the same way and follow the same routine.
CR: What’s your favorite pregame meal?
TM: I usually like a pasta and red sauce with some chicken. Nothing too crazy.
CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about?
TM: My skates. I have pretty tough feet to fit in skates. Sticks aren’t too big of a deal for me.
CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?
TM: My mom is a really good cook. She makes really good baked ziti dish that I go crazy about. There is a family restaurant in Simi Valley that we’ve eaten at forever.
CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?
TM: I liked Luc Robitaille a lot. My dad was a huge fan, so same thing.
CR: You have some other hockey players in your family, don’t you?
TM: My dad played some club hockey. And my grandpa played in Montreal for a long time. He was decent. Got a tryout at one point. I think he was pretty high level.
CR: If you weren’t playing pro hockey, what do you think you’d be doing?
TM: I’d probably be working construction with my dad. He owns a special concrete company.
CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey?
TM: The challenging part is the amount of games, but it’s rewarding to play all the games. In college, there are more practices. In the pros, there are so many more games that it takes a lot of focus and you’ve got be locked in a lot more.
CR: What do you do to unwind?
TM: I play a lot of video games and read. We try to get outside and do other stuff around the city that’s not hockey related, we go bowling. You have to take your mind away from the rink.
Photo/TSG Photo
– Compiled by Chris Bayee
(Nov. 16, 2017)