There are two types of nicknames in hockey: the lazy ones, which almost everyone has, and the ones that are too creative not to like.
The lazy ones involve adding a “y” or an “s” at the end of the person’s last name — and sometimes even both. For example:
- Nick Schmaltz becomes “Schmaltzy;”
- Clayton Keller is “Kells;”
- Ian Cole is “Colesy.”
There’s also the “er” suffix. Lawson Crouse, for example, often goes by “Crouser.”
But the best ones have more meaning than that.
Matt Rempe, who plays for the New York Rangers and stands at 6-foot-8, is known as “The Rempire State Building.” It’s perfect.
Wayne Gretzky was known as “The Great One,” but his little brother, Brent, who played 13 games in the NHL, had the better nickname of the two: “The Other One.”
And just recently, Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt has been dubbed “The Wall of St. Paul,” with reference to his last name, his position and the city he now calls home.
There are dozens of others that could make this list, but perhaps none are better than Utah Mammoth rookie Daniil But, who has received the nickname “Cheeks.”
“Cheeks is all-time,” said Mammoth defenseman Maveric Lamoureux. “That’s probably the best nickname I’ve heard in my life.”
But credited the idea to Nate Schmidt, who’s also the brains behind Liam “Spicy Tuna” O’Brien’s moniker (the “Spicy” part came later in his career, but “Tuna” came from Schmidt). The two played for the Washington Capitals together more than a decade ago and the name has stuck ever since.
Schmidt’s response to the “Cheeks” concept?
“No comment,” he said while covering his face with his hoodie in a futile attempt to mask his laughter.
Anyone who has learned a second language as an adult can tell you that puns are one of the most difficult things to pick up on. That’s the case for But, whose English is steadily improving, but still far from perfect.
“I don’t know what it means, but (teammate Mikhail Sergachev) told me it’s the best name he’s ever heard,” But said.
