The Holidays Aren't Always Easy For Hockey Players, But The Rangers Will Enjoy Time Spent With Family

Jonny Lazarus spoke with Vincent Trocheck, Jacob Trouba and Peter Laviolette about their plans for Christmas this year.

Christmas Day is different for everyone, especially NHL players. The holidays aren't always easy for everyone, but when you're able to spend time with family that you don't see often, it's a little extra special. 

The New York Rangers are only off for three days, then they get right back to it on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals. Most of the players aren't able to go home, but for the most part they're just excited to take their mind off the of the game, rest up and spend time with family. 

"I don't really have much man", Vincent Trocheck said about his Christmas plans. 

Trocheck has been one of the Rangers most consistent players this season, finding success on the ice in all situations. "He's been so reliable all year with his game. Two-way player, physical, plays with an edge, face-off, power play, penalty kill", Peter Laviolette said about the team's second-line center. 

These few days off are all about rest and family for Trocheck, "Stay home with family. Take a few days to rest. It's been a lot of hockey this first 32 games. It'll be nice to just have a few days with the kids. Christmas is obviously a big time of year for them, I'm excited", Trocheck added. 

As for the Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, his holiday plans are a little different. 

"I've got an 8 and a half month pregnant wife, so not much going on", Trouba told The Hockey News. 

"She's [Trouba's wife] supposed to work Christmas Eve and Christmas, so I'm hanging by myself." 

For those who don't know the story, Trouba's wife Kelly is a Doctor and he spoke emotionally about her profession when he first accepted the role of captain for the New York Rangers. 

We don't always get to see the human side of an NHL coach. Often times, not only the coaches and players, but the media and fans get caught up in the heat of battle during an 82-game season. Coaching and playing in the NHL comes with a lot of sacrifice, something that the Laviolette family is very familiar with. 

After last night's win against Buffalo, I was curious in asking Laviolette about how his family spends their Christmas day knowing that they're a bit scattered during the year. 

To me it's important to get to know the human side of the coaches and players. What brings out more human emotion than the holiday season? I can't think of much.

These next 2-3 days are one of the few moments where everyone in the organization can turn their brain off and enjoy quality time with family. These kinds of days don't come often during the grind of an NHL season.  

The Rangers won't get together as a team again until the morning of December 27th, then later that night they welcome the Capitals to Madison Square Garden. 

Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for reading along!