Getting To Know: Vincent Lecavalier

Vincent Lecavalier was the first overall pick in 1998 and has been in the NHL ever since. (Getty Images)

Mark Malinowski
2009-10-18 09:50:00

Status: Tampa Bay Lightning center
 
HT: 6-foot-4 WT: 223 pounds
 
DOB: April 21, 1980 In: Ile Bizard, Que.
 
Hockey Inspiration: "Steve Yzerman."
 
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: "Golf, watching movies, boating."
 
Nickname: "Just Vinny."
 
Favorite Movie: "Blackhawk Down."
 
Favorite TV Show: "24."
 
Musical Tastes: "U2, Metallica."
 
Early Hockey Memory: "Christmas one year I got a pair of Easton gloves (blue and white). It was like the happiest Christmas. I slept with them (age 11)."
 
First Job: "I was a...how do I explain it...I took care of a handicapped kid during day camp. He was the only handicapped kid there and I took care of him (age 13)."

First Car: "Cavalier Z24 (red)."
 
Pre-game Feeling: "Think about being relaxed, but don't get too excited – until I get on the ice. That's when you get intense."

Favorite Meal: "Sushi."
 
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: "Chocolate."
 
Greatest Sports Moment: "Winning the Stanley Cup (2004)."

Favorite Uniforms: "I like the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers."
 
Favorite Arena: "Montreal."
 
Closest NHL Friends: "Brad Richards, Dan Cloutier."
 
Funniest Player Encountered: "Andre Roy. He's just crazy, funny. He’s got a great sense of humor."
 
Toughest Competitor Encountered: "Wendel Clark. I played with him in '98. (Why him?) He's just...you've heard of him, you saw how he played. The look he has. Just tough."
 
Worst Injury: "Broken foot. Getting hit by a shot. (Remember who shot it?) (Dan) McGillis from Philadelphia."
 
Funny Hockey Memory: "Just watching Andre Roy every day. No special story. I don't know how he does it. He's just funny. (Was he your roommate?) I lived with him for one week. After one day I was like, ‘Wow, how can his wife handle that?’ "
 
Embarrassing Hockey Memory: "A few years ago I went on the ice in Buffalo. I ran out to the ice pretty hard and I didn't see the red carpet they had out at center ice. I hit the carpet and spun around, ran into the boards, lost my helmet, gloves, stick, everything. That was pretty embarrassing. And my sister was watching."
 
Favorite Vacation Spot: "I liked South Africa the best – Capetown."
 
Favorite Athletes To Watch: "Cristiano Ronaldo, he's just exciting. He's got that little arrogance that's funny. Just unbelievable to watch. (MLB?) Derek Jeter. Complete player, just like his style. (NFL?) Peyton Manning. (Golf/Tennis?) Tiger, Roger Federer. (Boxing?) I always liked (Mike) Tyson. (NASCAR?) The only one I know is Jeff Gordon.”
 
Personality Quality Most Admired: "Loyalty."

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