Interview #4- Rob O'Gara

Rob O'Gara is an American professional hockey player who is currently an unrestricted free agent. O'Gara, a New York native, has won an NCAA D1 National Title with Yale, and was named ECAC Best Defenseman in his time at Yale. O'Gara was selected by the Bruins in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft while still with Milton Academy, his high school at the time. O'Gara played for the Providence Bruins for some time, helping them reach the playoffs, before being traded to the New York Rangers. O'Gara received NHL minutes while in New York, and spent time with the Hartford Wolfpack in the AHL.

The Rob O'Gara Interview

1. What was your youth career like?

I grew up on Long Island in New York and played for the Long Island Royals. My Dad coached me when I was young and he really helped me become so passionate for the game. When I finished my junior year of high school I made the tough decision to go to Milton Academy near Boston to continue my schooling and playing hockey and that’s when a lot of doors opened for me to continue playing into the future.

2. What was winning the National Title with Yale like?
Winning the national championship with Yale was nothing short of a dream come true. The experiences that we went through during that season and all of the specific and very unlikely scenarios that got us there still makes me shake my head to this day. It was simply an incredible experience in every way.

3. You won the ECAC best defenseman in your junior year, and we’re named to the NCAA (East) All AmericanTeam, what was it like to be named to/ win these awards?
Winning those awards my junior year was a great honor. I had a great summer preparing for that year and I think that helped me perform as well as I did. I’m very proud of those accolades and those of the relatively young team that we had that year.

4. How were you feeling after being drafted by the Bruins?
Being drafted by the Bruins was another surreal moment of my life. When I went to Milton Academy, the whirlwind of committing to school, winning the prep championship, and getting drafted is something I still can hardly wrap my head around. It was and still is such an honor to have been drafted by an original six team and something I’m so thankful for as it gave me my start in professional hockey.

5. You got traded to the Rangers in 2018, what was your experience within the Rangers organization like?
Getting traded to the Rangers in 2018 was quite a transition but one that allowed me to have some of the best experiences of my life. Playing at MSG (even though I grew up an Islanders fan) was nothing short of amazing, especially because it allowed so many of my family members from the NY area to come and watch me very frequently. Those couple of months at the end of that season were amazing.

6. Best player you’ve ever faced?
The best player I’ve ever faced has to be Connor McDavid. We played him with the Rangers in Edmonton at the end of the 2018 season and the pace at which he plays was crazy. The high end skill combined with probably the best skating in the world is a lethal combination.

7. Craziest story from your playing career so far?
The craziest story I can think of/tell probably is once we were heading to Springfield for a game when I was with Providence and right before warm ups, as the zamboni was leaving the ice, a tire literally fell off of it and it was stuck out on the ice. After being out there for almost half an hour they were able to remove it but there was a big hole in the ice they needed to repair so it delayed the game even further. That was a crazy experience for sure.

8. Biggest tip for players working to become pro?
My biggest advice for someone whose goal it is to play professionally would be to remember why you started playing and loving the game in the first place. Reaching the pros requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but once you’re there it is a grind sometimes so remembering where your passion for the game started can help you get through those tougher times.

9. How do you handle the stress and pressure that comes with playing a sport at a high level?
I’ve worked with a sports psychologist to help myself handle some of the stress and pressure that comes with playing at the professional level. He helps me remember what makes me a good hockey player and keeps me in the moment. There’s a lot you can’t control when you’re out there and preparing to play, so controlling yourself and what you can control is crucial as opposed to worrying about outside noise.

10. What do you do on your off-time from hockey? Do you have any hobbies outside of hockey?
When I’m not playing hockey I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, especially my new wife Isabel. I also like to read a lot so relaxing and crushing a good book is something I enjoy as well.

11. What’s your biggest strength?
My biggest strength as a hockey player is probably my stick. I have a long reach and a good defensive stick that I think is my greatest weapon as a defenseman.

12. What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest strength as a hockey player is probably my stick. I have a long reach and a good defensive stick that I think is my greatest weapon as a defenseman.

13. Dream 3v3 team?
Dream 3v3 team would have to be Connor McDavid, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr. Imagine trying to defend that line in OT?

14. Best moment from your time in the AHl?
Best moment from my time in the AHL was probably the playoff experience I got my first year in Providence. The playoffs are a whole different animal and were a lot of fun to play in.

15. What skates do you wear?
I wear Bauer Vapor skates.

16. Biggest struggle in the path to pro?
My biggest struggle in hockey came way before I became a professional when I was cut from my u14 travel team on Long Island. I had to reassess and reflect on whether or not I was willing to work even harder to keep playing the game I loved. Luckily I was and was able to achieve many of my childhood dreams as a result.

17. What are three qualities professionals possess that others don’t?
It certainly varies from person to person, but generally I would say that professionals are completely dedicated to their craft, extremely passionate for the game, and willing to go the extra mile to improve on any skill or ability they may be lacking.

18. What are your goals for the future?
My main goal for the future is to earn playing time in the NHL again, no matter where it may be.

19. What do you think you’ll be doing after your hockey career?
I would like to stay in hockey after my playing career is over. I’m not sure what capacity that will be in but I know I’ll always love the game so it’ll be hard to leave, especially when I can’t play professionally anymore.

20. Who’s your biggest role model?
My biggest role models have to be my parents. I can’t single one out because I think what makes them great role models is their collective work ethic and doing anything to provide for their family and provide a good example for how I should be living my life. I can look up to them in every way.

21. In three words, describe yourself?
I am hard-working, passionate, and fun-loving.

22. Any last words for the readers?
Hope you enjoyed my interview! Thanks for choosing me to ask these questions to.

Written by Chris Dailey

Thanks Rob so much for the interview! Great player on the ice, and great person off of it! Best of luck in your future.

Photo via ​https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-signings-1.19860179