I grew up in Minnesota, so I didn’t know too much about New Jersey before I came here five years ago to play for the Devils. The only thing I really knew about New Jersey was that it was close to New York.
I know now there is a lot to do here. There are a lot of things going on nearby. You can drive down to Atlantic City, or you can go to New York City, which really makes it fun. Each year I’ve lived here, I’ve liked it more and more.
I’ve lived in Hoboken for a couple of years now. I like city living. I’d never really done that when I was growing up in Minnesota. What I really like about Hoboken is that I never have to take my car out. It’s fun. It’s different. There’s a lot of action. Plus, it’s pretty convenient. It’s easy to get to the Prudential Center in Newark, where the team practices and plays, and it’s also only a ten-minute ride to downtown Manhattan. My girlfriend and I like to go into Manhattan for a Broadway show or to have dinner, but there’s a lot to do around here, a lot of restaurants. I like going to Giants games when there’s time.
One of the things I’ve always liked to do in my spare time is to read different types of books. That is how I got involved with the New Jersey State Library’s Read Like a Library Champion program. They were looking for athletes to help with their program, and the Devils knew I liked to read, so they came to me to help them out. It’s been fun to participate.
I like playing in New Jersey. I think the fans are passionate. They expect a lot. They have had a lot to cheer for over the years—the Devils have won three Stanley Cups—and once you see a team go all the way, you expect that to happen every year. I like that. I think it makes all of us play harder.
I’ve really liked getting to know people here, too. I know people are a little more laid-back in Minnesota, but at the same time, people in New Jersey are also very friendly. It’s a little different than where I came from and what I was used to. But I feel like I can blend in.
Every now and then, people will recognize me when I’m walking around Hoboken, but it’s not like you can’t go out to a restaurant to eat because people are bothering you a lot. It’s actually kind of nice. People are pretty respectful. They’ll say things like, “Good luck!” or “Hope you do well this year,” which is something I really appreciate.
I’m in the last year of my contract, but I’m comfortable here. I enjoy living here. I like my teammates, and I like the area. I’d like to stay with the Devils. We’ll see.
A member of the New Jersey Devils since 2003, forward Zach Parise was named team MVP in 2009 and 2010. He played on the U.S. hockey team that took home a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.