CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
New Jersey Devil Adam Henrique potted the winning goal versus the New York Rangers. That goal put the Devils in the Stanley Cup finals where the eventually lost to the Los Angeles Kings.

The 2012 NHL playoffs had no shortage of entertainment. One great story was the emergence of the New Jersey Devils from their near defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers to the unlikely win over the New York Rangers. Rookie sensation Adam Henrique was to thank for helping the team get to the Stanley Cup Finals. Henrique talks about a year he will never forget...

How would you sum up your first year in the NHL?
"It was exciting. For me, it was above and beyond my expectations and for the most part above the expectation of others. I was flying under the radar for the first part of the season. Once I made camp, I was sent down to Albany for a week, due to a couple roster injuries on the Devils, I went right back into the lineup. The year was very exciting and I learned from so many guys on the team. Going far into the playoffs also helped."

Was your game-winning goal against New York your biggest goal of your career?
"It's a toss-up between that goal and the goal I scored in Florida in double OT to keep our team alive. The goal against New York was key as Jersey/Rangers is a huge rivalry and the goal put us into the Stanley Cup finals. All things considered, it would have to be the goal against New York."

What would it have meant to bring the Stanley Cup back to your home town of Burford, Ontario?
"Every kid's dream is to win the Stanley Cup and bring it home. I appreciated all the support from my fans. My friends and family would keep me posted during the Stanley Cup playoffs with what was happening at home and it makes me want to work harder to win the Cup, not just for myself, but for all the supporters at home. Watching the community rally around me and the team is a great feeling."

You were nominated for the Calder Trophy — how did it feel to be recognized amongst players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Gabriel Landeskog?
"It was very special, for me coming out of junior and the team we had, people always said I was the one under the radar, but I never looked at it that way, we just had a very good team and to be nominated and recognized for such a prestigious award was special … It really capped off the year for me."

Too bad they did not factor in the playoffs — you would have won, hands down. What was the NHL Awards experience like? Who were some of the celebrities you met? Did you have a chance to meet some of your hockey heroes? Who were they?
"It was pretty crazy, I had just finished the playoffs, came home for a day then raced off to Las Vegas for the awards. I took my family with me. It was special to share that moment with them. The buzz in Vegas and being there versus watching it on TV was awesome. I saw a lot of celebrities, the only one I met was the Old Spice Guy. I was able to speak with Brendan Shanahan, (Henrique) Lundqvist ... I met quite a few players. It's cool that I was part of it. Seeing all the big stars of the game and to be part of this group is cool. It hasn't really set in yet! It's an honor to be recognized amongst these elite group of players."

Tell us a bit about your Merit of Achievement awarded to you by Walter Gretzky.
"That was very special. During the New York series, my mom called to let me know that I was nominated. I had been in the CNIB golf tournament at Brantford Golf and Country Club for a few years and it was a thrill to be presented the award. It means a lot to me and my family, especially coming from the Gretzkys. They do so much for the community, and have done so much for me and my family growing up. Glen Gretzky is a big part of my hockey career — he coached me when I was younger. We've always stayed in contact. To be presented the award by Walter was very special. He is a hero around the world and to know him and to live so close is great. He is a great mentor to me."

You had an amazing breakout season. ... How do you prepare for the big games and do you have any pre-game rituals?
"I do, it's the same with a lot of athletes … It's based on routine. Breakfast (same time every day), go to the rink for morning skate. I go home and cook lunch, pasta chicken with vegetables. It's always the same meal, whether I'm at home or on the road. I try to have a pre-game nap the same time before every game. I might sleep for two to three hours. Wake up have water and a peanut butter sandwich and I try to be to the rink two and a half hours before gametime. I always grab a coffee on the way. I typically change into some comfortable clothes and watch some TV ... I always get dressed the same way ... Always left side before right side ... Left shin pad then left sock, left elbow pad, etc."

Can you comment on similarities to the game of hockey and the game of golf?
"Almost all the hockey players I know are golfers ... I find the golf swing and hockey shot similar. I find most hockey players are good golfers ... It seems to come naturally."

What courses did you enjoy playing growing up?
"When I was young, my friends and I would always golf at Burford Golf Links. It was the only place I would play … Living in Windsor, I played a few clubs but mostly for charity golf events. I like playing Brantford Golf and Country Club as I have played in the Walter Gretzky CNIB event a few times."

What is it about the game you enjoy? Do you find it frustrating?
"I like getting out to the clubs and getting away. It's an escape from hockey. I can't focus on hockey all year ... It's good to get away and have fun with your buddies and relax. I don't get out as much as I would like, but I was out with some friends the other day and played fairly well. I actually drove the green on a par four. I surprised myself! I find it frustrating to hit a series of bad shots, it's tough to recover sometimes."

What is your most dreaded shot? For me, it is 50 yards from the green.
"My short game's pretty good. My driver has a bad slice."

What is your most trusted weapon in your golf bag?
"I'm good around the green, so I would say my pitching wedge is the club for me."

What would be some courses you would like to play? Sky's the limit.
"I would love to play Augusta ... Or going overseas would be great — Scotland or Ireland. The history and the experience would be fun."

Who on your team is known to be a great golfer (e.g. low handicapper)?
"Marty (Martin Brodeur), for sure! He golfs almost every day in the summer and a bit into the season ... He is the most avid golfer, hands down!"

Who is your favourite tour player?
"I would have to say Rory McIlroy. He's a young guy. It's cool to see the younger golfers coming up. It's similar to hockey ... Guys are getting younger and better and having success at a young age. I also like Phil Mickelson, he's always consistent. It's interesting the similarities that younger and older players can have success in golf or hockey."

If you could have your dream foursome to play 18 holes of golf with, who would it be?
"My brother, Mike, Steve Yzerman and Walter Gretzky. Walter plays at a lot of area courses and he's known to spend more time fishing for golf balls than actually golfing — I know, I have seen him coming out of the bushes with several golf balls. He's fun!"

There was a reporter in London who dubbed Gretzky with the name the "Great One" — would you have an issue if I take a stab at Adam "Overtime" Henrique? Or Adam "Game Winner" Henrique?
"Haha, they're both pretty good — go for it!"

Since you are a winter resident of New Jersey, people would like to know who your favourite cast member of Jersey Shore is.
"Oh my god! That show is something else... No comment!"

Judging by the amount of web traffic attached to your name, it is evident that you have fans not only in Burford, Brantford, Windsor and Jersey, but all over North America. Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans?
"I would say thank you, honestly there are people that have been cheering for me since I was 10 years old. People send me messages… 'I cheered for you in Windsor and congratulations on your NHL success.' The fans are so loyal. The fans give so much to me; I try to give back to the fans as much as I can."

Rob Foster is the coordinator of Fanshawe's Golf & Club Management program (www.fanshawec.ca/golf). This article will be appearing in the next issue of Golf Scene Magazine (golfscene.ca).

ADAM HENRIQUE: QUICK FACTS

Won Gold Medal at the 2007 Canada Games (with Team Ontario)

Won 2009 Memorial Cup (with Windsor Spitfires)

Wayne Gretzky 99 Award (2009/10 OHL Playoff MVP)

Won Silver Medal at 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (with Team Canada)

Won 2010 Memorial Cup (with Windsor Spitfires)

Named NHL Rookie of the Month in December 2011

Selected to the 2012 NHL Rookie All-Star Super Skills Competition

Nominated for the Calder Trophy 2011/12 season

Recipient of the Walter Gretzky Merit of Achievement