Getting To Know: Mark Alt

Defenseman Mark Alt was picked up on waivers by the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 26 from the Philadelphia Flyers and made his debut in the Mile High City on March 24 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The 6-foot-4, 201-pound blueliner was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft before his rights were traded to the Flyers on Jan. 13, 2013.

Alt was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but grew up in Minnesota. He played three seasons at the University of Minnesota before turning pro at the end of the 2012-13 campaign. During his junior year with the Golden Gophers, he had five goals and 17 assists for 22 points, making him the second-highest scoring defensemen for Minnesota that season.
He has spent the majority of the last four years with the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliates and split the 2017-18 campaign between the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The 26-year-old talked about pursuing a career in hockey and his transition to Colorado.
What was the experience like getting picked up on waivers?
"It was pretty chaotic. We were on a road trip up in Canada; we were in Montreal at the time. Wasn't thinking too much about the deadline--I knew I might go down just on paper so I could be eligible for the AHL Playoffs. So it came as a pretty big surprise, but I was really excited when it happened."
How has the transition to the Avalanche been?
"It's been good. It's been chaotic too as far as the move and everything getting out here. This is a great team, super welcoming team, which made it a lot easier on me. So it's been a good move."
Had you been to Colorado before joining the team?
"I have because my sister plays basketball at the University of Denver, and I helped her move in at the end of last summer. So I have been out here for a little bit but not long. This has been my first real time out here."
Is it nice to be so close to your sister now?
"Absolutely. She's been a huge help too because she's obviously out here full time. So with rides and everything, getting to and from the airport with my wife. She has been super helpful."
Did your wife move out here with you?
"Yes, she just got out here a few weeks ago. She has been helping me. She kind of had to pick up the pieces back in Philadelphia. I had stuff everywhere, so she had to go piece everything back together and ship it all back home."

How are you liking Denver so far?
"I love the mountains. I love the atmosphere out here. It's a lot different from being on the east coast, too. I'm from Minnesota, so it feels a little more like home, more spread out."
Your dad played in the NFL and you played both football and hockey in high school. What made you choose to pursue a career in hockey?
"It was a pretty long process, but it mostly came down to my senior year. I just felt the opportunities in hockey were better. I made the decision on National Signing Day, so it definitely wasn't a decision I made right away. It took awhile. Hockey was always kind of my first love, and that's why I stuck with it."
What is your pregame routine look like?
"Usually just a lunch and a nap after morning skate. Sometimes I don't even fall asleep, just lay down. Not too complicated. I guess when I really think about it, I have some superstitions thrown in there. For the most part, it's pretty mellow."
What is your favorite movie?
"I have a bunch, but I would probably say Lawless. I really like that movie."
What kind of music do you listen to?
"I know everyone says this, but everything. In the summers, I really like country. I listen to a lot of country, but I will listen to a little bit of everything."