Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Drew Durdov, New Trier hockey

Drew Durdov is a senior goaltender for the New Trier Green hockey team. Durdov came up big for Green in a shootout win against Loyola Gold on Dec. 15.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Not really. I’d say before I leave for the game I always stretch at home, but that’s about it.

2. What are your plans for next year?

I’m not really sure yet. I’m trying to go to college. Not sure where I want and still hearing back from schools. I am pretty sure I want to play club hockey in college. I’m more looking at schools I like rather than that. South Carolina and Tennessee are my two favorites.

3. When did you know you were a goaltender

It started when I was little, back when dads would be the coaches of the team. My dad was coach and would always have the goalie gear. … I was just good and picked it up quickly. At home, he would shoot on me in backyard. That’s when I got pretty good.

4. What makes a good goaltender?

I think being consistent and just also believing in your teammates. It’s a team sport. You can’t score goals, so you need to believe in your teammates to score.

5. Do you have a favorite athlete?

I’ll say Tom Brady (NFL). He’s retired now, but I grew up a big (University of) Michigan fan. My mom went to Michigan and we watched all his Super Bowls and just how great he was.

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

I’ll say football. I never played football but it’s my favorite sport to watch. I’m a big NFL and college football fan.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the ice?

Probably travel. I’ve been to quite a few places. I just like to explore different parts of world, see new places. (What’s a recent example?) On Fourth of July, we went down to South Carolina and Charleston and it was a lot of fun.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I’d say it depends on what type of mood I’m in. Probably just a Gatorade to be honest. Probably blue.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I guess I like to watch any sport. I’ll watch whatever is on TV.

10. Do you like where New Trier Green is at halfway through the season?

I really like where we’re at right now. There is still a ton of room for improvement, but from where we were at at the start of the year, we got a lot closer and started to find ways to win bigger games. I still think we’re getting used to each other.

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