Teresa M. Walker - P.K. Subban: Making His Mark on the Hockey World

Chapter 1

One of a Kind

H es too showy. Too confident. He falls to the ice too quickly, trying to draw a penalty. He talks too much. Celebrates too much.

Hes a hockey villain.

P.K. Subban has heard all the criticisms. Hes the player that fans will boo all night long when hes competing against their team. But hes also the guy fans love when hes playing in his home arena.

This theme was on full display in June 2017 when Subban and the Nashville Predators faced the Pittsburgh Penguins. Subban was playing in the Stanley Cup Finalhockeys biggest stagefor the first time in his career.

The Penguins won the first two games to take a 20 lead in the best-of-seven series. But in Game 3, the Predators struck back. Subban smothered Penguins star Sidney Crosby, keeping him without a shot. Nashville routed Pittsburgh 51 in that game, cutting the Penguins lead to 21.

Before the players left the ice, Subban skated near Crosby and yelled at him. Crosby yelled back. When reporters asked about what they said to each other, Subban joked that Crosby complained about his breath. Subban drew laughs when he told the story.

When guys chirp after a game or during a game, its usually about your game or something personal, Subban said. But he went on to tell me that my breath smelled bad. I really dont understand why, because I used Listerine before the game. I thought my breath smelled great. At the end of the day, were going to take the win and move on.

Reporters crowded around Crosby in the Penguins locker room, eager to hear his take on Subbans comments. However, Crosby kept his answer short.

He likes the attention, and things like that, Crosby said. If he wants to make stuff up, what can I do?

Part of Subbans approach was simple: he wanted to get Crosby thinking about him, and not his own game.

Every time hes on the ice, Im going to be in his face. And hes not going to like it, Subban said.

Even so, Crosby claimed not to notice Subban.

I havent seen P.K. much. We havent been in their zone probably enough, Crosby said. But I dont feel like every time Im out there P.K.s out there.

Nashville won Game 4 to even up the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece. But in Game 5, Crosby got his payback.

Late in the first period, Subban brought the puck up the ice and passed it toward the front of the Penguins net. Then he tangled with Crosby behind the net. Subban grabbed Crosbys stick, and the men hit the ice with Crosby on top. Crosby shoved his glove into Subbans faceits what hockey players call a face wash. Crosby also banged Subbans head into the ice a few times for good measure. Both men were given two-minute penalties for holding.

Pittsburgh won the game easily, 60. And in Game 6, the Penguins won 20 to claim their second consecutive Stanley Cup. It was a tough defeat for Subban. And his night wasnt over yet.

In one of hockeys greatest traditions, each team shakes hands at the end of a series. That meant Subban and Crosby, both Canadians and former Olympic teammates, shook hands at the end of their battle. Crosby then skated off to celebrate with his teammates, while Subban went to a quiet Predators locker room.

Despite the loss, Subban was seen as a hero in Nashville for standing up to Crosby. But in Pittsburgh and other cities, many people thought Subban was trying to make the Stanley Cup Final all about himself. Reporters asked Subban what he thought about the situation.

I could probably answer the question if I knew why Id be labeled as a villain, Subban said. I dont know what Ive done particularly wrong. I dont really focus on that. Its a lot of noise. I just choose not to listen to a lot of it. Thats seemed to help me throughout my career.

Subbans ability to focus on hockey while enjoying himself has helped him become a star in the National Hockey League (NHL). By the age of 29, he was a three-time finalist for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the NHLs best defenseman. He won the award for the 201213 season, back when he was playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

No matter what jersey Subban wears, he is popular with fans. His No. 76 was one of the biggest sellers during the 2017 playoffs. Fans connect with Subban and his enthusiasm for the game. And Subban sees that as good for the league.

In my opinion, this is the new NHL, Subban said at the 2016 All-Star Game. Thats the game now. Fans want to be able to interact with players and get to know them.

Subban has built himself quite a life. Hes charitable. He travels the world. And yes, he promotes himself at times. In a sport where players usually blend in by not speaking too colorfully, Subban is not like most other players.

There is a culture to the sport that I want to see respected and I dont want to see change, Subban says. You want to respect the jersey, you want to respect the logo, you want to respect your players. But be yourself! Have fun.

Chapter 2

Growing Up

Canadian