VGK’s Nate Schmidt: Being Involved In Business Outside Rink Makes Him Mentally Sharp

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

Nate Schmidt wanted people to know that pro hockey players can focus on hockey at the rink, but also can mentally keep sharp outside the arena by getting involved in business, too.

“There has to be life after hockey.” said Schmidt, who has a car dealership endorsement deal with a local Hyundai dealer.

LVSportsBiz.com talked with Schmidt about business interests outside the rink Wednesday after the Knights practice because five Golden Knights players have invested in a Downtown Summerlin sports restaurant, Players Locker, in collaboration with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck (who enjoys wearing his VGK number eight hockey sweater.)

VGK forward Alex Tuch is the most involved of the five Players Locker VGK investors, who include Deryk Engelland, Reilly Smith, William Karlsson and Shea Theodore. Schmidt stopped by the Players Locker Monday evening for the grand opening. He even worked the bar that night, too — not drinking but serving drinks.

Schmidt’s point to LVSportsBiz.com was that he didn’t think business outside the hockey rink was a distraction for players and that it actually helped him be more mentally focused.

He said when he’s at the rink there’s no thinking about business. But outside the arena during off hours, getting involved in business can keep him sharp.

“You get to use your mind and keep it sharp,” he said.

Here’s our interview today. You can hear for yourself.

Other Knights players with business interests are Ryan Reaves with his craft beers, and Max Pacioretty, Karlsson and Engelland endorsing cars.

The Knights host the Edmonton Oilers in a Pacific Division showdown at 7 p.m. tonight.

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