Get to know Nate Schnarr
Date of birth: February 25, 1999
Shoots: Right
Place of Birth: Waterloo, ONT, CAN
Nickname: Schnarzy, Nater, whatever the guys go with!
Go-to song to get in the game: It really depends on the weather. If it’s nice out, I go with some country and chill vibes but I also like some house music!
Favourite team growing up: I’m sad to say it now, but I was a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, but there was obviously some admiration for the fans in Montreal. (Laughs)
Favourite player growing up: My favourite player growing up had to be Sydney Crosby or Jonathan Toews. Just being a Canadian player, I saw what they did for Team Canada and I really looked up to that.
Q: What does your game day routine looks like?
A: I think it’s pretty similar to most players. I get up, get to the rink, get breakfast, do morning skate, go home, have lunch, take a quick nap and then show up pretty early for the game. Nothing too exciting there.
Q: What does your typical day off looks like?
A: I love just hanging out with the guys. I think it’s a big thing. Being around a championship-winning team as a junior, I know it’s so important to be close with all your teammates. I’m looking forward to a couple off days here and get to know the guys a little better. I hear that we hang out and watch some golf, some F-1 races!
Q: What is your first impression of Laval, the city, the rink, etc.?
A: I was blown away, almost lost for words. It is an absolutely amazing facility. Obviously, I knew what the fanbase was like playing here, and the fans are incredible. The energy they have, it’s amazing! Also the facility, the way we get treated, the staff, everything here has been amazing. I am at a little bit of lost for words.
Q: How would you describe your type of play?
A: I think that I am a hard-working player. I like to play a 200-hundred-foot game, both sides of the puck and be responsible defensively and let that create offence for my game. And when I get an opportunity, I like to capitalize on it!
Q: What is your best hockey-related memory?
A: I think in junior, winning the OHL Championship. I think that one definitely stands out for me. It’s tough coming here because there are some guys, from Rouyn-Noranda here that we lost against in the Memorial Cup, and they made sure I remembered on day one. (Laughing)
Q: Coming here, you are seeing some familiar faces: Cam Hillis with who you played in Guelph, Brandon Gignac and Danick Martel, from your time in Binghamton and also Josh Brook your teammate in the World Junior. How is it to see them again and how do they help to during the transition?
A: It’s been awesome, it’s way easier. Any question I have, they are more than willing to help out. It’s made the transition really easy for myself. Obviously, four amazing guys, that I knew from before. Everyone in that room has helped me make the transition easier.
Q: What are you looking forward too most by joining this group?
A: I think I just want to make a good playoff push with this group. I really like how we play and I think that we have a lot of qualities of a good playoff team. I think we are responsible and hard-working so if we can get ourselves in a good spot for the playoffs, we have a really good chance of making a good run.
Q: What was your impression of this team when you played against them this year?
A: I wasn’t a fan! They’re really tenacious, they’re hard-working, they’re stubborn, they’re just annoying and all over the ice. They’re quick and fast. I think that is a really good identity to have as a team.
Q: What do you like most about playing hockey as a professional?
A: Just the camaraderie! It’s really special the connection that you build as teammates and I saw it when I got into the room here, how tight everyone is. I think it’s a really, really special part of the game! Also, it’s what I have wanted to do my entire life. Coming to the rink every day and getting to play hockey is a special dream of mine.
Q: Do you know any French words?
A: My french is very beginner. I obviously remember a little bit from high school and elementary school. I know the basics : Comment ça va ? Ça va bien… Not much (Laughs) I am going to change my Duolingo to French and try to come up with a new French word everyday!
