The Puck Stops Here

Dylan Bo Bader is sweaty. When NYF Sports contacted the young hockey phenomenon to schedule an interview the only time we could get was during a break in his workouts at the acclaimed Chelsea Piers BlueStreak Sports Training program. Between weight training, cardiovascular drills, practice, street hockey (and school), Dylan just does not have the time to fool around. Well, he does play videogames every chance he gets. Oh, did we mention that Dylan does this all despite being born with one hand? And he plays bass guitar, too.

When did you get serious about hockey?

At some point in 8th grade, I realized that I had to choose between hockey and soccer. I played soccer at my school, United Nations International, but it’s not a serious sports school. I liked soccer and I was good at it. In 8th grade I tried out for the soccer team and I decided if I made the team I’d be done with hockey. I didn’t make the team but it worked out for the best.

How hard is it to focus on a specific sport while living in New York City?

This year I’ve turned it around a bit, in terms of going out with my friends. I can manage to hang out with them and have fun but I have a different lifestyle than many of my friends. They aren’t as athletically orientated so they get involved in activities that I try to avoid. My family has a house in New Milford, Connecticut, that is really good for me, hockey-wise. In New Milford I don’t have the distraction of going out with friends. The house has cardio machines, free weights and some hockey training equipment set up on our porch. I’m really serious this year; I’m 16 and hope it’s not too late to focus and go somewhere with hockey.

How does training at BlueStreak affect your daily routine?

Each day of the week varies. I used to run before school but now, because of the hockey schedule, I come here by myself on Mondays and work out. Tuesday I usually play street hockey. Wednesday is weight room and practice, while Thursdays I don’t have anything so I usually play street hockey. Friday I have hockey practice and then Saturday and Sunday are the games. Sunday the games are in the morning so I go home and play street hockey on Houston and 6th Ave., in the afternoon.

A lot of people play out there so that’s fun.

Street hockey plays a big part in the development of your hockey game?

I’m not in an environment where I can get on the ice all the time. Chelsea Piers doesn’t have ice time available whenever you need. I’m just doing what I can—street hockey is good cardio. It’s not going to help my skating, but it is good for stick handling and shooting.

Scoring goals gets all the attention in hockey. What is it about defense that appeals to you?

The physicality is fun, but for the most part I have the mentality for it. I’d rather make defensive plays and help get a shutout for the goalkeeper than score goals. Scoring isn’t important to me. I think it’s fun to quarterback the play from the rear line, make a pass and let the play develop.

What types of bumps and bruises do you get with your aggressive style of play?

I get a lot of minor pains. Playing defense means being more physical: between blocking shots and checking, you get a lot of little injuries. I have to go to the doctor because I might have gotten a concussion this weekend.

What happened?

I didn’t see one of the checks coming on Saturday. It was in the last period—we won the game by the way—and the puck was behind the net. I got to the puck and passed it out of the zone but left myself in a bad position. I didn’t see the guy coming, he hit me clean and my head hit the boards a little harder than usual. My head is swollen right here [points to a knot on his head].

Does training at BlueStreak prepare you for hits like that?

This place makes you stronger.

I don’t believe I have that much natural talent, really. I’m athletic but in terms of skill I’ve had to work for most of my success in the game. I have the right mindset to succeed in hockey; they aren’t teaching me that at BlueStreak. All my hockey skills get enhanced by the program, especially working with my trainer Shane Palahicky.

Having one arm must make the game harder physically but also mentally?

Not really. I make bad plays and start getting down on myself but it never has anything to do with having one hand. When I really think about playing with one hand I’m sure there are plenty of disadvantages but it’s more complicated; I’m not getting another hand. There is no point in trying to blame something on a situation that I have no control over. Yes, my puck control could be better, my balance could be better, my skating, my shot… but Shane tells me I have one of the best shots on the team. There’s no reason to make excuses up for anything. I might as well have two hands.

When you stopped playing soccer, you also stopped being serious about music.

I guess to some extent. I don’t have a band or anything. I used to play bass all the time. With music it’s nice being in front of people and doing something where everyone can see you perform. In hockey, I don’t get a lot of attention. I don’t do anything flashy, I don’t score too many goals and if I do, it’s banging in rebounds, and you hope the right people will notice. Music seems like a lifetime ago.

Are your earrings a holdover from your days spent playing in bands?

I’ve always had the ear piercings. Lately I’ve taken all the piercings out when I play. I don’t think it’ll look good for the coaches scouting me. My nose ring had to do with a girl I was seeing at the time. Most guys don’t have nose rings, and I like to be different.

--
ALL ABOUT DYLAN:
DOB: 05/07/93 Junior at United Nations International School Height: 6’3” Weight: 200 lbs Has been playing hockey since five Favorite Player: Dion Phaneuf, Defenseman, Calgary Flames: “I like his style. He’s probably one of the best hitters in the NHL but at the same time he gets a lot of goals and assists. He’s just a really good player.” Favorite Food: Thai Favorite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers Favorite Hockey Teams: New York Rangers and Calgary Flames