Mailbag #73: Jack Drury

Did he finish his degree from Harvard? Why #18?

By Walt Ruff

@WaltRuff Hurricanes.com

December 22, 2023

RALEIGH, NC. - The last month has probably been the best of Jack Drury's young NHL career.

Settling into his role as a lineup mainstay and producing a career-long five-game point streak earlier in December, the 23-year-old is enjoying the success.

He sat down with us this week to answer the questions you all were kind enough to send in via X.

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(Please note that some questions have been edited for clarity.)

What has motivated him this season and what has he implemented to improve his game? - @bethmysoul

Just building confidence. I've done a lot of work since I've been here with the coaches. They've helped me get comfortable.

I've worked a lot with JD (Assistant Coach Jeff Daniels) after practices. Playing with good players helps too. I've been fortunate to play with a bunch of different guys and whoever I'm with is a top-tier player. That certainly helps a lot.

Was Jack able to finish his psychology degree this past summer as planned? Any plans for his degree post-NHL? - @officeninjacat

I did finish my degree this summer.

I'm not sure about how I'll use it after my playing career just yet. I told myself that I needed to focus on just getting the degree first and then I can figure that out.

Drury played for Harvard University from 2018-2020 before beginning his professional career.

What off-ice accomplishments have you made this year (and what would you like to achieve in 2024? - @sucanejuice

Getting my degree was probably the big one.

I've read some good books and I had a decent summer, not great, at golf. I think for next year I'd definitely like to improve my golf game. That would be an accomplishment or something I'd like to do.

What's the best book you've read?

A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles.

Which players, current or former, do you look up to the most? - @_lilyrae

Growing up I watched a lot of Pavel Datsyuk. Being in Chicago, I also watched a lot of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews too.

As a player now, getting to play against Connor McDavid, you realize that he's on another level. It's a tough challenge but he is fascinating to watch. He's so gifted.

On our team, getting to play with Burnzie is so cool. He's a legend of the game. Getting to be around him off the ice, just as much as on the ice, is really cool.

Why jersey #18? - @PapiMuffinMan

My dad wore it when he played, so I just followed suit.

Ted Drury, wearing #18 for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, during a game in 1998.

What’s your favorite place you’ve visited during your hockey career, whether it was in college, Sweden, AHL, or NHL? - @Hancy831

I got to go to Budapest for a training camp in an Under-18 tournament during the summer, and that was really, really cool.

What music do you like to listen to before game time? - @swaymarkhugs

Before games, I usually like whatever DJ Neci (Martin Necas) has going in the locker room. I do like EDM music because I feel like it gets me going the most.

What's your go-to song at the moment, whether it gets you pumped up for hockey or not?

All Again by Charles Wesley Godwin.

Brendan Lemieux showed it to me and it's a really great song.

What is your favorite Christmas cookie? - @KBNovaStarr

My mom makes homemade sugar cookies and they're unbelievable. I have to go with those.

NYI@CAR: Drury scores goal against Semyon Varlamov

If he wasn't in the NHL, what would he do as a job? - @cocowestcliffe

I think I would have given it a go at trying to be a professional baseball player. I loved baseball a lot as a kid so that probably would have been my next choice.

That's right, you were a star this summer over at Durham Bulls Athletic Park...

\laughs**

Their batting practice coach was throwing it at 95 mph though.

(Editors Note: Jack was still raking.)

What are your favorite things to do outside of hockey? - @Jacobs4858

I love going on walks. Especially when it's nice and sunny in Raleigh.

I like just watching sports with my brothers. That's one of my favorite activities. Shooting the breeze with them, cracking jokes and watching sports is the best.

After that, I like to read and play golf.