On July 1, the opening day of free agency, Brett Pesce [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-brett-pesce-carolina-hurricanes-free-agency-tom-fitzgerald]signed a six-year, $33 million contract with the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-jersey-devils-current-goaltending-situation]. The Tarrytown, New York native returned home after spending nine seasons on the Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/] blue line. After a recent practice, The Hockey News sat with Pesce for a mini Q&A. During the interview, he spoke about his love for the game, career trajectory, and more. The Hockey News: Lisa Kudrow has publicly spoken about how it took a few years to settle into her Friends character, Phoebe Buffay. How long did it take you to get comfortable and understand what it takes to be an NHLer, day in and day out? Brett Pesce: Oh wow, that's a good one. I will say it probably took three years. You know, you come from college or junior, and you are usually one of the best players on your team, and the NHL is hard. You have to realize what is going to make you successful in the League and ultimately (keep you) in the League. I think it took three years to really realize that my game is defense and (learn to) prioritize that first and foremost. THN: Is there a particular moment in your career that you would love to show to your younger self to say this is going to be you in the future? Pesce: Probably my first NHL goal, I would say. It was on Jonathan Quick, and I am actually pretty friendly with him, so that was a cool one. It was a slapshot from the point, a lucky bounce. Something I will never forget. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWu6GkwUDas[/embed] THN: Was there ever a moment in your career when you started to lose your love for the game? Pesce: Honestly, no. I feel lucky to be in the NHL, and I try not to take a day for granted. It is still crazy for me to think that this is my 10th year. THN: What has hockey given you? Pesce: Everything. It has given me a lot of perspective on life. If I am being honest and keeping it real, I have to say wealth as well. It is a very intense schedule, and you have to learn to manage your body and the mental aspect of it as well. The mental aspect of hockey is a big part of it, and people don't realize that. You know, it could be mentally frustrating if you are in a funk or whatever it is. You learn to stick with it every day and to be successful and consistent; it takes a lot. THN: At this point, does hockey feel like a job to you, or is it still your passion that you have had since you were a kid? Pesce: It is still fun for me. It is obviously a dream for everyone in this room, and I am fortunate enough to be able to live it out. The Big Show: Nico Hischier Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/exclusive-q-a-with-msg-networks-host-analyst-rachel-herzog-new-jersey-devils] Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied]
