New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh Talks Playoff Beards and Staying Fit
New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh. (Photo: Instagram)
October means pumpkins and festive hayrides for most. But for hockey fans and players, it means the return of the sport they love. We caught up with U.S. Olympian, Team Captain and New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh at a recent United States Tennis Association (USTA) event to talk about his grandparents’ amazing influence, handling pressure, and staying in shape.
Yahoo Beauty: Where do you find the confidence to be a leader?
Ryan McDonagh: From my parents, and my uncle. I had an uncle [Steve Walsh] who played in the NFL. I watched him. He was a quarterback. My grandparents; always teaching me lessons along the way. They made sure to teach me to put in the work, to be the best you can at what you’re trying to do. It’s a simple message, for sure; not over-emphasizing it, just the right amount at a young age. It really hit home.
When did you first realize you were a role model? What was that experience like?
It probably started at the college level. A little bit in high school, but I think at the college level, the stakes get bigger. You’re representing a university. You hear about stories about people getting in trouble. You have to be very conscious of what you’re doing outside of the rink. It was a great learning tool for me to go to school, go to college, get away from home; my family and friends there, and kind of learn to do it on my own and by myself.
What is your fitness routine like?
I’m usually [working out] Monday through Friday. I try to do both in the gym and on the ice. As long as I’m healthy, and my body is feeling good. Really, [it’s working out] as much as you can, and be conscious on the weekend –that’s when you get to do the outside activities; playing tennis, playing golf, getting a good sweat that way, too.
How do you deal with pressure, aside from working out?
You find ways to keep your mind off the game. After a tough loss, [you need to] get your mind away from the rink for a little bit. I listen to music, I watch TV shows. I go to movies. I try to experience things outside the sport; things you do every day outside the rink to keep in fresh, to keep you energetic and keep you motivated.
Do you have any grooming superstitions, like not shaving your beard if you are on a winning streak?
In the playoffs, the playoff beard is a big one, but during the year, not too much. A lot of guys eat the same things. That’s a pretty standard one, as far as a pre-game meal goes. I’m not too superstitious.
Do you steal beauty products from your wife? Does she give you advice about things like eye creams?
No, nothing as specific as eye creams. She’s kind of my fashion coordinator. Whenever I’m putting something on, I’m always asking her if it matches right or if it’s too much of this or that. She’s more knowledgeable in that area than me.
You two are high school sweethearts! What made her beautiful in high school and what do you find beautiful about her now?
She doesn’t try to over-do it. She lets her natural beauty take over. At a young age, back in high school, you just want someone who’s fun and energetic and great to hang out with, and also pretty. It grew into a deeper relationship.
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