We're all so lucky to have a professional hockey team right in our backyard with a roster full of enthusiasm and heart, and a great group of fans that support them. It's been a blast learning a bit more about some of our hometown team members and hearing about their journeys. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Adirondack Thunder forward Alexandre Carrier, a true leader on and off the ice. Read on to learn about who inspired him to play the game, advice he'd offer younger players, and what he loves most about Glens Falls.
On the Past
Where are you from originally and what inspired you to begin playing hockey?
I come from a really small town in Canada, just 30 minutes south of Quebec City called Saint-Elzear. Growing up in a small town, there isn’t always much to do, especially in the colder winter months. I believe this is why hockey is such a large part of my town’s identity. Growing up, hockey was just something you did, it felt no different than deciding to go to school. Ultimately, it was my dad who pushed me to pursue the game past our local rink.
Who have been some of your most important mentors along the way?
My dad was a big mentor for me, from a young age all the way to when I first left the house to go play Midget AAA in Levis. My coach in minors, Clement Hebert, my coach in Midget, Hughes Lebel, and Coach Cail McLean have all impacted me and my game along the way, but there was one coach who had a special role in getting me to where I am now, and I likely wouldn’t still be playing if it weren’t for him. My third year pro, after getting cut from Wheeling, I was seriously questioning if hockey was still for me and was considering hanging up the skates. That’s when I got a call from Jean-Guy Trudel, the coach from Peoria in the SPHL. Not only did he convince me to stick with it, but during my short time with Peoria he also helped shape me into the type of player I am now. Under him, hockey was fun again and I finally got back to loving the game. Thanks to his guidance, I ended up signing with the Albany Devils of the AHL while still in Peoria and got the call up from the ECHL to the AHL just two weeks later.
Who was your favorite team/hockey player growing up?
Being one of four boys, competition was always present in our household. My dad and brothers were all die hard Montreal Canadiens fans, so naturally I had to bring the rivalry to our home by supporting the Bruins. I don’t recall having a favorite player growing up, but now I really enjoy watching Milan Lucic and Tom Wilson.
What has been your favorite hockey memory thus far?
There are a lot a of good memories that I have in mind. If I have to choose one, being part of the Salzburg Redbull team that won the European Trophy would top the list. Playing in the Austrian league was an amazing experience. It was my first taste of playing professional hockey and I was lucky enough to be with such a great organization.
On the Ice
What do you like the most about being out on the ice?
This is going to sound super cheesy, but it’s my happy place! It’s the place where nothing else matters, where I get better every day with twenty of my teammates and friends who have the same mindset as me. It’s where we all push each other to be the best versions of ourselves.
Any superstitions or regular routines prior to game time?
For home games, I’ve had the same routine in place for the past four or five years. In the mornings I head to the arena and jump on the ice for morning skate. When I get back home, I cook myself some penne alla vodka with ground beef. After eating my pregame meal, I take a nap for and 1h15 minutes. After I wake up, I choose my outfit for the game and drink an espresso before leaving for the rink. Once I am at the rink, I play soccer with some of the guys before getting dressed for warmup. After the national anthem, I have a prayer I always say to help me get ready for the game.
What is the easiest part about playing hockey? Most difficult?
The easiest part about playing hockey is waking up every morning, knowing that you’re lucky enough to get to go to work playing the best sport on earth. The most difficult part is definitely battling injuries – it’s really tough to be stuck in the stands.
Off the Ice
What would you be doing if you were not playing hockey?
I have always been good with numbers and have a strong interest in the stock market and the world of finance, so I would say something in that sector.
Favorite hobbies off of the ice?
Like I mentioned previously, I love to watch and analyze the stock market, and read about it as well. I also love to cook! It is therapeutic for me to cook good, healthy meals and try different recipes that I find on the internet.
‘Tis the season - how do you usually spend the holidays?
For Thanksgiving, I spent it with my wife, Suzanne, and her family. For Thanksgiving we usually stick around Glens Falls and for Christmas we head up to Vermont. I am grateful for my health and the health of my friends and family. I am grateful for my amazing wife and her constant support. I am grateful that I still have the privilege of playing this game and for all the amazing people that I have met along the way.
On the Next Generation
Do you have any advice you’d be willing to share for any up-and coming players with dreams of playing professionally?
One piece of advice I would give is to always do more and be disciplined in everything you do and work as hard as you possibly can. The moment you think you have done enough is the moment you need to do more.
If you had to teach someone to ice skate right now, today…what would be the first thing you’d tell them?
Never give up! No matter how many times you fall, always get up and keep going because one day you will look back and be proud of what you have accomplished.
On Glens Falls
You’ve played all over the country… Any differences you’ve noticed?
In my professional career, I have played for eleven different teams in four different leagues, so there is a lot to compare. While I feel lucky to have been afforded the opportunity to play in all those places, Glens Falls is where I want to be. Obviously, the winters in Texas and Orlando were a bit more pleasant weather-wise, but nothing compares to Glens Falls. Over the years I’ve played with and met many of my closest friends here, and to top it all, Glens Falls is where I met my wife.
What do you love the most about playing and living in Glens Falls?
It’s really nice to have family so close. My wife has a lot of family in Glens Falls and it’s also the closest place in the ECHL for my family in Quebec to visit. I love the small-town atmosphere and how nice everyone is, it reminds me a lot of home. I admire all the local shops and restaurants around town because they bring their own touch to their craft.
It’s also a great hockey community to be a part of. I want to give a special thanks to all the Thunder fans and the community for supporting the team day in and day out – you really make this feel like a home away from home for all of us.
What are few of your favorite spots to enjoy in Glens Falls area? Spots to eat? Spots to take the family?
There are quite a few great spots around town but I’ll name the first few that come to mind... For lunch I like Gourmet Café and Sorrentino’s Deli . Downtown City Tavern has always been my go-to postgame spot – I really love their wings. Whenever my family comes into town we always head to the Silo for brunch and then usually spend the day exploring Lake George.
If you could add one thing to Glens Falls, what would it be?
If I could add one thing to Glens Falls, it would be a Trader Joe’s grocery store. I love everything about Trader Joe’s; they have a huge variety of affordable organic products. The Canadian in me would also love to see a Tim Horton’s in town, I often find myself craving their french vanilla coffee.
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Thank you, Alex! Let's go Thunder!
