Keeping up with Kerbashian

Kale Kerbashian, #14, is only with us for a short time. But before he heads home, find out a little more about him!

Which is your favourite NHL team?

I’d probably say the Red Wings, Detroit. I liked them a lot when I was younger as a kid, but then I actually went to a few NHL camps so I didn’t really have a favourite NHL team cause I was kind of trying out for them. Can’t really be a fan at that point, but now that I’m a little bit older I guess I go back to them

Favourite player?

There’s so many. Probably Pavlo Bure, he’s a Russian.

What got you into playing hockey?

I actually had a tonne of energy growing up and somebody told my parents to put me in something that would tire me out. But we also have rinks in our backyards, so it’s kind of assumed. But I also was a speed skater.

Do you play any other sports?

I’m a pretty big golfer but it’s pretty much the hockey life.

If you had the chance to spend the day with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Honestly, I’m pretty boring and I would probably say my grandma or something. I know I like her and would have a great time. I’ve never met anyone that I’m a fan of and there is a chance that I might not like them and it would be a waste.

When you’re not playing hockey what do you like to do?

Golf. I read a lot, too. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis is one of my favourites and I’m currently ready the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards autobiography. I just love hearing stories. Readings nice. And watching TV series, when I came here the boys got me into the show Vikings. Also a few of us do yoga, pretty big into yoga. I actually like meditation too. Throw your headphones and just go for a walk.

Favourite hockey movie?

Slapshot. The original it’s pretty funny!

Where in Canada are you from?

I live near Ontario but 30 minutes from the border of the USA, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It’s on the biggest freshwater body of water in North America.

What would your weapon of choice be in a zombie apocalypse?

…That’s got to be the weirdest question I’ve ever been asked. It’s good. A gun or knife come to mind or a bazooka, but that might run out of ammo pretty quick.

Do you have a pump-up song?

I kinda like to relax before a game. When I was younger it was about the pump up but as you get older you try to save all your energy for the game.

Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

I think I used to. I used to take naps and stuff. But as I get older I try to just go for what I feel that day, playing professional back home you’ll play sometimes three games in two days and travelling for five or six hours in between each. We travel by sleeping bus to a lot of the time. Naps and stuff, but yeah you warm up and ride the bike before the game. But yeah just get loose.

Favourite comic book hero?

I don’t really have a favourite, but I’m a huge fan of the marvel movies. I like Tony Stark, he’s pretty funny. Thor is pretty cool… he won me over too.

How would you get someone new to a hockey game?

Tell them we fight. I’m just joking. But that honestly gets a lot, a certain crowd listening I think. Maybe just showing them highlight reels. There are a lot of American states where NFL and Basketball are really big. Then they come to a game and they sit close and they are just like yeaaaaaah. They don’t believe it. It’s the only game you don’t play on your natural feet and you can’t run out of balance. Once your ad those new things and show people that side… The hard thing is it’s tough for kids to get into because anything other sport you just need a field and a ball. Hockey is a little tougher to get into.

What are some of the opportunities that hockey has given you?

Oh geez, I’ve seen all of North America. I’m here now! I’ve met some of the best people ever, I’ve also helped my family meet a tonne of great people all over the world. I think its shown me and my family just so many cool places. And it’s also given me some money over the last few years, I haven’t had to have a real job yet. I mean, I chase a piece of rubber for a living.

One piece of advice to kids learning to play hockey?

Oh, just have fun! That’s the biggest thing, once you stop having fun it becomes tough. Even just coming over here, my first night I had a lot of fun. Sometimes in pro hockey back home, you take it so serious that you forget about that and you’re worked up because you don’t play good and all you think is “I’m not going to make it” you get really down and you totally forget that. If you’re not having fun it’s going to hard.

What are your thoughts about Australia so far?

It’s different. I haven’t drove yet! I’m a little scared. Just sitting in the car, I still can’t wrap my head around it, it’s insane. Even the light switches, I always go to turn it the other cause its opposite. Stuff like that is really throwing me off.