St. Patrick’s Day Special: Ryan O’Reilly

Ryan O’Reilly, the Man

Nicknames: Scooter (rookie season), Factor (because of his last name), Rhino (because of how his first name sounds with his last name)

Not so secret passion: Yoga — he’s even got other players interested

According to an interview O’Reilly did with the Denver Post (at which time he confirmed he is, indeed, of Irish heritage), his pregame meal consists of two large salads. Apparently he gave up meat (maybe it’s a yoga thing?). He added of his eating habits:

"“My main source of energy comes from my vegetables.”"

His favorite restaurant is Vesta Dipping Grill. (I’ve eaten there — it is actually very good, but tough if you don’t eat meat since the premise is to dip shish kabob into sauces.)

Favorite Non-Hockey Sport: Beach volleyball (for obvious reasons)

However, O’Reilly is renowned for being a rink rat — he and his brother AHL center Cal O’Reilly — actually built a rink for on-ice workouts in their home town.