10 May GETTING TO KNOW: NEW YORK RANGERS – JEWISH PLAYER ADAM FOX
FAST FACTS:
Name: Adam Fox
Born: February 17, 1998 (age 24) in Jericho, New York
Height: 5 ft 11 in Weight: 181 lb
Position: Defense Shoots: Right
NHL Draft: 66th overall, 2016 Calgary Flames
College: Harvard University Major: Psychology
Salary: This past o season, Fox Signed a seven-year deal, taking him through the 2028-29 season for $66.5 million
Long Island’s Adam Fox notched an assist and two shots on goal in this past Motzei Shabbos’ 7-4 loss to the Penguins in Game 3. Fox had a point in all three of the Rangers’ playoff contests (one goal, two assists). He’s added 13 shots on net, seven blocked shots and four
hits with a plus-1 rating. The star defenseman ended the regular season with 74 points in 78 regular-season outings, and he’s continued to provide strong scoring numbers while serving as a workhorse on the Rangers’ top pairing.
Are you & your team ready for the playoffs?
Everyone’s going to up their game, bring a different level of intensity. It’s not Game 62 of a regular season. It’s do-or-die at this part of the year, so I think everyone’s upping their game. I think everyone’s bringing a different level of intensity. And I think that’s what we’re going to need to win here.
How do you like playing with your new defensive partner right handed
Justin Braun?
Brauner’s been around a while. He’s a smart player. There’s going to be shifts in momentum throughout the game, but he has a lot of experience playing a lot of big games and it definitely helps us out there. I’ve played with Lindy for so long, we have a little bit of comfort, reading off what we’re going to do. But I think besides the [left handed-right handed difference], they both do a good job of reading off me and trying to know when I’m trying to go [join the rush] or anything like that. But I think they’re both simple, smart players, so it’s kind of easy for me to play with both. The key to playing with another right-hander is to talk more before and during the game. If I get on the left side, if he wants to come back and be on the left the whole time, or if I’m going to play the left on that shift. I think it’s just a little more talking in terms of positioning. But other than that, the handedness, I think if you’re making a pass, you’re looking where his stick is anyway.
Growing up in Jericho, Nassau County, how did it feel when you found out that you were a New York Ranger?
I was definitely in a little bit of disbelief. It’s the team that I grew up rooting for. When I heard, I had to take a moment to take it in. It was definitely cool when I got that call. I’m very happy to be playing near my family & friends.
What teams did you root for growing up?
Besides the Rangers, I liked the Jets and the Mets. I was a big David Wright fan growing up.
What are you most proud of, your defense or offense?
I probably would say my defense. It’s always fun to score, but I’m most proud of my defense because of my size.
What would you say is your on ice
mentality?
I always try to be calm. I try to be
poised with the puck and make the
right decision.
How did it feel to win the NHL’s
2020-21 Norris Trophy?
It’s special. I’ve been throwing that word around a lot the past few weeks and I just think it’s accurate for how I feel. Those are two of the greatest defensemen ever Brian Leetch and Bobby Orr, and if you hear your name with those guys, it’s always going to be a special thing to hear.
Did you know that you are the first Jewish person to ever win a major award in the NHL?
I did not know that. But it’s very cool! It’s obviously something I take a lot of pride in.It’s definitely nice to represent a community, for sure.