Off the Ice: Matt Hendricks talks family, fishing and charity work

Each month, Wild.com profiles a different player's endeavors away from the rink. This story appears in the November issue of Wild Magazine.
ST. PAUL -- Veteran left winger Matt Hendricks signed with his hometown team last July and is undeniably happy to be back in the State of Hockey. Off the ice, Hendricks enjoys working with his charity, spending plenty of time outdoors and relaxing with his wife and kids.

Wild.com's Tricia Luna: Are there any special charities/community events that you are involved in? When did you first get involved?
MH: I do a lot with the military. My wife Kim and I run a charity called Hendricks' Heroes where we honor the men and women in the military. Back in 2009, I got involved with the United Heroes League, which is a local military charity in town, and then Hendricks' Heroes is kind of a way to make it feel more at home in the community that I was playing in.
TL: When the season is really underway, how do you spend your down time away from the rink? To relax or get a mental break from the game?
MH: I spend a lot of time with my boy girl twins, they're going to be seven here in November. A lot of fishing if there's opportunities, I like bow hunting, being outside as much as possible.

TL: During the offseasons before signing with the Wild, how frequently did you visit Minnesota?
MH: I would spend all my offseasons in Minnesota. Last year, my wife and kids spent the whole hockey season here in Minnesota, my kids started kindergarten, while I was playing in Winnipeg. So I'd be able to come back every once in a while depending on our schedule, just to pop in and say hi for a day or so and then I'd have to get back. Minnesota has been home base for as long as I can remember.
TL: What do you love about Minnesota?
MH: First, it's the community of people. Generally, [the people] really care about each other and look after each other. Can't beat the seasons; I love summer here. The lakes, just any kind of outdoor activities.
TL: You mentioned you have twins, a boy and a girl; what are your favorite activities to do with them? Does it differentiate between them?
MH: Some of the best experiences I've had with my son outside of [fishing and hunting] are playing hockey on outdoor rinks. My daughter, she's a lovely dancer, so she's constantly teaching me dance moves on the kitchen floor, and the smile that it puts on her face is my favorite.