Freshmen forward Tage Thompson skates up the ice during UConn’s 3-1 victory over Brown on Feb. 2, 2016. Thompson leads the nation with nine power play goals. (Jackson Haigis/The Daily Campus)
Freshman forward Tage Thompson is currently second on the UConn men’s hockey team in both goals (10) and assists (14). The Orange, CT resident also leads the nation with nine power play goals this season. He sat down for an interview about his success as a hockey player and his life off the ice.
Aaron Esposito: Do you have a favorite NHL team?
Tage Thompson: Not necessarily. More just favorite players.
Are there any NHL players you try to model your game after?
I would say Corey Perry or Evgeni Malkin.
Being from Orange, CT, what does it mean for you to play for UConn?
Actually, I’m not technically from Connecticut. I was born in Phoenix, but I’ve lived here for two years, so this is my current state I’m living in now, but it’s pretty cool. I’m an hour away from home so it’s pretty special that my parents get to catch all of my games.
What are your future goals as a hockey player?
Hopefully make it pro. That’s my main goal.
When did you start to realize that you might have a chance to play pro hockey?
I don’t know, maybe when I was like 16.
You’ve had a lot of success right from the start as a freshman. What advice would you give to future recruits to make an immediate impact like you have?
Just do the little things on and off the ice. Always do extra after practice, talk to coaches to see what you can do. They’re always there to help you, so if you come in and be coachable I think you’ll have some success.
Have you chosen a major yet?
Sports management. I just kind of thought to myself, what do I want to do in life after hockey, and I want to stick in the sports field…maybe be a GM or an agent or something like that.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
I wouldn’t say rituals. I usually go out and play soccer for a little bit and I tape my sticks the same way every time, nothing too special.
Do you have a go-to pregame meal?
Usually chicken and pasta the night before a game.
If you could play any other sport at UConn what would it be?
Probably baseball. Baseball or golf. I played baseball all the way up until my junior year of high school and golf I just like doing for fun.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not playing hockey?
Probably sleep. I like sleeping.
Any Favorite TV Shows?
Modern Family.
Favorite movies?
Anything with Will Ferrell.
Favorite Music?
Usually hip-hop. I listen to that before games. I like Drake a lot.
Who would you say is your team’s biggest rival?
I would say BC. We’ve had some pretty close games with them. We beat them last year, so I think that rivalry’s pretty good.
Are you on Twitter or Instagram?
Yea, both. @TThompson_97 on Twitter and tommer97 on Instagram.
Who are you picking to win the Super Bowl? Panthers or Broncos?
I’ve gotta go with Cam Newton and the Panthers.