Up next in our “Off The Ice” series we get to know Oakland forward Andrew Morrison
If you were not playing hockey what would you be doing?
Before I started hockey, I was very interested in skateboarding and BMX bike riding. So who knows, maybe if I didn’t pursue hockey I would be competing in the X Games.
First time playing?
I took my first learn to skate class at age 8. I was hooked after the first lesson.
Have you played any other positions besides forward and how did it go?
I played goalie for one practice as a kid. I don’t think it went too bad, but I never played it again. I also played defense for a couple of games in pee wee hockey. They went okay, but I thought I was better at forward.
Why did you want to be a forward?
I wanted to be a forward because I was always more interested in the offensive side of the game as a kid and I kind of found my role as a two-way center over time.
How did you end up at OU and why did you choose to play here?
I was looking to continue my hockey career after high school and OU seemed like a great opportunity to do so while beginning my studies in exercise science. I was very excited and honored to be recruited by OU.
PlayStation or X-Box?
X-Box
Favorite Video Game?
Are you any good? I’m not too much of a gamer anymore, but I like playing the NHL games and Mario kart. I would say I’m pretty average at those.
What do you drive now and what is your dream car and why?
I drive a Toyota Tacoma and I love it. My dream car would probably be some model of mustang. They have always been my favorite since I was a kid.
What is your dream vacation and why?
I would want to go to Australia to hopefully see a wild kangaroo and other wildlife.
Nickname?
A lot of people call me AJ because of my middle name. People also call me Morri a lot.
Most embarrassing hockey moment?
Walking on the ice with my skate guards on at practice when I was younger wasn’t a great look.
Most embarrassing life moment?
Almost falling over on my crutches in front of the whole class last year when I was walking in. Good thing I saved it.
Favorite sport besides hockey?
I really like baseball. I worked for a baseball team this summer, so I have been more interested in it. But I recently picked up tennis and I have been enjoying playing it.
Pregame meal?
Chicken and Rice
Pregame Ritual?
For home games, I like to get dinner with Lance at school and then get to the rink early to tape my sticks, stickhandle, and warm up with the team before getting on the ice.
Are you superstitious?
I wouldn’t say superstitious, but I like to follow a routine to get ready for the game.
Favorite music to pump you up before a game?
I like to listen to calmer music earlier in the day and then listen to high tempo rap or rock closer to game time. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica is my favorite pregame song.
Favorite movie and why?
Happy Gilmore is definitely up there. I’m a big Adam Sandler fan and I think it’s a very funny movie.
Favorite TV Show and why?
I really liked watching The Office. I think the humor is very unique in that show and I was addicted to it for a while.
Your hockey idol and why?
Pavel Datsyuk. He was my favorite player to watch as a kid and I think his hockey IQ was elite. He also had filthy hands and inspired me to work on my stickhandling skills.
Do you watch a lot of NHL? If so what is that team besides the Wings that you love?
I do watch a lot of hockey. No team comes close to the Wings, but I am a fan of Vegas and Edmonton.
What is one thing most people do not know about you?
I broke both of my collarbones playing hockey.
Graphic By OU Hockey Alum Joseph Guenther