New Vancouver Canucks defenceman Michael Del Zotto was named one of our nation's 25 Most Eligible Bachelors last month in Hello! Canada. He shares the honour with big names like local actor Joshua Jackson, pop music superstars Drake and Justin Bieber, tennis player Vasek Pospisil and fellow blueliner P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators.
.@MichaelDelZotto of the @Canucks is the hockey star of our dreams https://t.co/ScoRWwnEMi #HelloCBachelors pic.twitter.com/UkcphGRdPN
— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) October 25, 2017
Here's what you need to know about the new transplant.
Work Life
An early-season injury to fellow defenceman Alex Edler has left Del Zotto leading the Canucks in ice time with an average of 24:17 a night through his first 15 games with his new team. That's a career high for the 27-year-old and ranks him 21st overall in the entire NHL. He also leads the Vancouver blue line in scoring, with one goal and six assists for seven points.
“Everything's got to be earned,” Del Zotto said, when asked if the lure of big minutes is part of what prompted him to sign a two-year contract with the Canucks as an unrestricted free agent last July. “Nothing can be promised, especially with [new coach] Travis [Green.] With Eagle [Edler] going down, it's created some bigger minutes for me and Hutts [Ben Hutton], with us being left defencemen. [Edler] plays all situations so there's minutes available throughout.
"I'm pretty sure when he comes back it'll be a few less minutes but I'll be happy to have him back – he's a great player and he helps out our D corps."
Though he's new to the team, Del Zotto has already worn an "A" on his jersey for a few games as a Canucks alternate captain. He's playing the power play and the penalty kill in addition to drawing tough matchups against top opponents – all signs that general manager Jim Benning chose wisely when he added the smooth-skating blueliner to the Canucks roster.
Edler participated in his first full practice since his injury on Nov. 3 and is expected to get back into the lineup during the Canucks' current four-game road trip.
Travel Life
In September, Del Zotto and his teammates travelled to China for a pair of preseason games against the Los Angeles Kings.
“For me, that was special and couldn't have been better timing,” said the eight-year NHL veteran, who was originally drafted by the New York Rangers and has also played for the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers.
“Coming to a new team, it takes a little bit of time to get to know all the different personalities – not just the players, but you have the training staff, coaching staff, people you see every single day.
“Trying to get to know guys, not just on a hockey level but on a personal level as well – a huge key to building a successful franchise is to build a close-knit team. Essentially, this is your family. Being away from home for eight to 10 months of the year, this is your extended family. So the trip was great, getting to know the guys.”
One of the hardest parts so far has been learning to tell the Sedin twins apart.
"It's taken me...a month, month-and-a-half to finally realize who is who. I think everyone dealt with that – I'm not the only one who had to deal with that first awkward encounter of screwing up and they're like 'No, that was Daniel and that was Hank.'"
There's no mistaking the mark the twins have left on the city.
"Not only on the ice, you see them off the ice – the impact they have in the community and the impact they have in the dressing room, the way they work every single day. They're the face of this franchise and it's a pretty special honour being able to play with them."
The long trip to China seems to have paid dividends for both teams involved. Though the Kings and Canucks both missed the playoffs last year, they're holding down two of the top three spots in the Pacific Division through games completed November 7.
Vancouver Life
When he’s not on the ice trying to stop other teams' top players, Del Zotto is assimilating into Vancouver culture, taking in the sights by bike.
“It's pretty special being able to live in a city like this,” says the native of Stouffville, Ontario. “The way I describe it, it's like every day you wake up and you're in a movie, with the scenery that you have.”
The good weather through September and October has given Del Zotto the opportunity to ride to work at Rogers Arena and to explore in his downtime.
“Having a bike is the best way to get around this city. Riding the seawall every day, going through Olympic Village — I've gone through three or four different routes and I've ended up getting lost and it's been the best time. You get lost and you get to know your surroundings. I’ve enjoyed that.”
Further afield, Del Zotto has also made time to explore North Shore attractions like Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Community Life
Without the obligations of family life, single Del Zotto focuses on giving back when he's away from the rink.
"As I've gotten older, I've become more and more aware of being able to help raise awareness, raise money, whatever the situation may be."
Thanks @MichaelDelZotto for coming to hang out and play MarioKart! #Canucks #community pic.twitter.com/e0rgt2N3Bx
— RMH BC (@RMHBC) November 2, 2017
"Whether it's Ronald McDonald House or Children's Hospital – just being able to build relationships. Seeing smiles on the kids' faces truly makes my day go a lot better. Sometimes, you have a tough day at the rink and think we're living a tough life, but you go see some of the real issues out there in the world. We're pretty blessed to live the life we do."
Thanks to Sam and Ethan for having me stop by to talk video games. Your strength is truly inspirational! pic.twitter.com/wkmCs8pYLe
— Michael Del Zotto (@MichaelDelZotto) September 27, 2017
DJ Life
During his time in Philadelphia, Del Zotto taught himself to DJ.
He says he doesn't have one particular influence on his style, but is grateful for the oppotunity to interact with some of the best.
"There's different guys that I like and some guys that I've become friends with, which is pretty cool – getting to know them away from the music side. I got to meet Tiesto quite a few times in New York. He's a huge hockey fan and playing there quite a bit, I got to know him.
"I think what impressed me the most was just how down to earth he was. He's a pretty big artist that has travelled the world and been paid a lot of money. Just to have a normal conversation with him was pretty cool."
Upcoming Games:
Vancouver Canucks at Anaheim Ducks: Thursday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks: Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Follow Carol Schram on Twitter @pool88.
