Behind enemy lines: Alex DeBrincat on Kirby Dach

KANATA - Despite engaging in some heated battles on the ice, opposing NHL players often forge enduring friendships away from the rink.

We thought it might be interesting, then, to do some reconnaissance to get an occasional take on a Canadiens player from a friendly foe on another club. Today: Ottawa Senators forward Alex DeBrincat on former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Kirby Dach.
Did you know Kirby before he played for Chicago?
No, I didn't.
What were your first impressions of him?
I think he was pretty funny. He was very young at the time and, you know, a funny, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. When I saw him on the ice, obviously you notice his skill and everything he can do with the puck. So, I guess those are the first few things I thought about him.

Who's more likely to pick up the bill at the restaurant?
Probably me. I would say I would pick it up more. We usually played the credit card game, honestly, so I feel like that was a big thing in Chicago. Whenever we went to dinner, we always played the credit card game. So, it's kind of up to luck at that point. But I say if we went just us two or maybe with one other guy, I'd probably pick up the bill.
It seems like Kirby got lucky when you guys played the credit card game then, eh?
Yeah, for the most part. You know, he's so young, and I had been in the NHL for a couple of years. So, you like to treat the young guys to some dinners. When I was younger, guys would do that for me, and you pass it along. So, I feel like it's a nice courtesy.
Who has the bigger appetite between the two of you?
Oh, I'd say probably him. He's a pretty big boy and he can probably put down more food than me [laughs].
Who has the best sense of fashion?
Oh, I'd say him. I'm not a huge fashion guy. I like a couple of things, but don't really shop that much. And I know he was good buddies with my roommate, too, Adam Boqvist. Boqvist was really into fashion. So, they kind of fed off each other and did a lot of shopping together.

What did you guys do for fun outside of the rink?
When it's nice out, maybe golfing. Other than that, during the season, I feel like we just got together for dinner and not too much. I think there's so much going on during the season. So, it's tough to really get out and do other stuff, but we'd go to some dinners. Obviously, Chicago's a great place for food and that's what we did when we hung out.
What's one thing you miss and don't miss about Kirby?
I'd say one thing I miss about him is just his attitude at the rink. He's usually in a good mood, just having fun playing hockey. One thing I don't miss about him is, maybe looking at his facial hair every day. Not the best beard. So, that's one thing I'll give it to him for.
Do you guys train together in the summer?
Yeah, we have before. We use the same trainer, but we didn't train together for the most part because he's back home and I was back home. Right before the season, we trained together sometimes.
What nickname do you call him by?
Maybe just Kirb, or Dacher. Just the basic ones.
Who would win a fight between the two of you?
Oh, that's a good question. He's a lot bigger than me, but I would like to say I'm a little tougher than him... No, I think he would probably win [laughs]. I think he's got the reach and the weight on me, so I'd say he'd probably win. He's not scared to get into it, too. So normally with, you know, some of the softer guys I'd say I'd win, but he's pretty okay with getting in the battle and is pretty strong, too.