By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
As the season approaches we will be giving you a chance to meet the new Tauros as well as learn a little more about the returning players by asking them 20 questions. We will be going in number order; yesterday we profiled Johnny Walker and today we hear from Max Mettler. Come back tomorrow to hear from Martin Aune.
Max Mettler had a sneaky good season for the Minotauros last season. Often hidden in the shadow of teammates with flashier numbers at the offensive end Mettler proved to be a steady force as a rookie. He finished the year a with a +7 rating. His consistent defensive play starts from knowing where to be on the ice. Mettler is rarely out of position meaning he does not have to take penalties as a result of getting beat, his 16 pims was good for the second fewest on the team among players who played more than 20 games.
Aside from being a dependable defenseman in the Tauros’ zone Mettler added 12 points (3g 9a) on the season. A game-winning goal on December 12th in Brookings kicked off his best offensive stretch of the season. Over 12 games Mettler had three goals and four assists with a +11 rating. Mettler also provided offense in the Tauros most important win of the season with a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win over Austin in the fourth game of the Central Division finals, to force the best of five series to a fifth game.
From the Coach’s Office: Just as we'd hoped, Max was a player that got better as the season wore on last year. Max is a big, strong defenseman that is dependable in both ends of the rink. He is a great teammate and we will lean on him at important times of games. – Head Coach Marty Murray
20 Questions
Do you have a nickname: Metty/Metts
Older/younger siblings: Only child
Favorite NHL team/player: St. Louis Blues/David Backes
Why (if you did) did you pick your number: I was given 3 at the beginning of last season and decided to stick with it.
Pregame routine: Pregame nap, drive to the rink a certain way for home games, stretch and visualize.
Ideal pregame meal: Chicken breast and quinoa with broccoli and blueberries. Coconut water.
Any hockey superstitions: Don't step on the logo.
Best hockey memory: Section championship senior year.
Personal goals for this season: Be a team player, play both sides of the puck, and play in every game.
Favorite school subject: Anatomy.
Favorite vacation spot: Somewhere on a lake.
Favorite zoo animal: Koala Bear
Favorite junk food: None
Favorite musician: Avicii
What song would you sing for Karaoke: Free Bird
Favorite cartoon as a kid: Clifford The Big Red Dog
Hidden talent: Exceptional frisbee thrower, above average kite flyer.
Who is your dream date: Rachel McAdams
Who would play you in a movie: Tom Cruise
If you could go back in time when/where would you go: Game 5 in Austin last season…