NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
The MTS Centre is not an easy building to play in – its loud, but a lot of fun too. I was happy with my limited nerves. But for sure, it can be tough when the anthems are playing and your family and friends are all there watching you
Winnipeg, Pickard said that he was actually quite pleased with his composure and ability to tune out the boisterous Winnipeg Jets’ faithful.
“ I was actually pretty happy with myself that I didn’ t get too caught up in it,” he said.“ I know that at times I get a bit too excited and nervous, but I’ ve played in some tough buildings. The MTS Centre is not an easy building to play in – its loud, but a lot of fun too. I was happy with my limited nerves. But for sure, it can be tough when the anthems are playing and your family and friends are all there watching you.”
Currently boasting a career 2.68 goals against average, a. 918 save percentage, and 20 wins to go along with two NHL shutouts, Pickard has certainly started 2017 off on the right foot. But with the team struggling and rumours of potential Varlamov trades flooding the dressing room, one might think that Pickard would be slightly on edge. However, according to the jovial Winnipegger, that’ s just part of the game.
“ You know, I just don’ t let those kind of things bother me,” he said.“ Varly is a great guy, and does awesome things for our team. He’ s taught me a lot, and I’ m very appreciative of that. Every Canadian kid dreams of growing up to play in the NHL, so I’ m not complaining.”
Pickard and his Avalanche have entered the second half of the season and with the playoffs most likely out of the picture again this year, the 6-foot-1, 200 pounder should enjoy another long off-season back home.
“ During the off-season I like to play golf and hang out with my friends back home,” he said.“ I’ m usually in Winnipeg for most of the summer months, so it ends up being a lot of working out and training( at Focus Fitness). I spend a lot of time with my buddies, as well as hanging out at the lake.”
Although thoughts of summer are always welcomed in Winterpeg, for now it is nothing but nose to the grindstone for the former WHL All-Star.. n
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