Get to know Tanner Kero – NHL Hockey Player

Get to know the ATP Lab supplement brand and the athletes who represent our lifestyle through our new exclusive interviews.

ABOUT THE ATHLETE

Tanner Kero: A 26 years old professional hockey player from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan who has played with the Chicago Blackhawks and is now part of the Vancouver Canucks organization.

Question 1

WHAT IS THE ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES YOU BEST?

Tanner: Determined.

Question 2

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP-3 FAVORITE ATP LAB SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS?

Tanner: My top-3 would have to be GF (Growth Factor), Supreme beef protein and Total Defense.

Question 3

When did you start playing hockey and why did you choose this sport?

Tanner: I started playing organized hockey when I was five years old. I grew up in a small town in Michigan where hockey is a huge part of the culture. There were many outdoor ice rinks and that’s where most of the kids spent their winter evenings. Also, my Dad and most of my uncles played hockey as well, so it was a big part of our family tradition.

Question 4

If you could choose another career or sport what would it be?

Tanner: If I chose another career, I would want to be a professional golfer. I love golfing in the summer and would love to travel the world playing on some amazing golf courses.
Question 5

WHAT OR WHO MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

Tanner: My family definitely made me want to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. Both of my parents were athletes and so as many of my relatives. My mom is also a health coach and has always taught us the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Question 6

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FLAVOURS, WHICH ONE DO YOU PREFER?

Vanilla, Chocolate, Raspberry or Salted Caramel?

Tanner: Salted Caramel (tastes like a dessert)

Question 7

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE USE OF ILLEGAL OR UNCONTROLLED DRUGS IN CERTAIN SPORTS SUCH AS THE FITNESS WORLD?

Tanner: I don’t think there should be illegal or uncontrolled drugs in sports. As an athlete, you want it to be a safe and controlled environment for everyone.
Question 8

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Tanner: I’m always trying to improve some part of my body or my game. However, I think if I could change one thing it would be to become less of a perfectionist and have more appreciation for my body. I would like to be less critical of my “weaknesses” and more appreciative of my strengths.

Question 9

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS HERO?

Tanner: My favorite sports hero would be Rudy! His determination and will to overcome his many life obstacles and pursue his dream was amazing. He showed that you can achieve your dreams if you have a great mind-set and work hard!

Question 10

What is your mind-set during a game, any pregame rituals?

Tanner: I always try and do my best to focus on playing my game. I want to worry about the things I can control and less on the referees or other players. As far as rituals, I would say I have more of a specific routine that I follow every game. I’m very particular on the way I get dressed and get ready for each game. I also like to eat the same food each game day!

Question 11

What is your favorite song to listen prior to a game?

Tanner: Usually there is one guy in charge of playing the songs in the locker room before the game, so there is not really one particular song. However, I have been enjoying “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco lately.

Question 12

IF YOU HAD SUPERPOWERS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SUPERHERO NAME?

Tanner: If I had superpowers, I would want to be able to fly. Being on the road a lot with hockey, it would be nice to be able to fly home at any time and see my family. I think I would be called Kaptain Kero.

Question 13

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE OR FAVORITE CHEAT MEAL?

Tanner: My guilty pleasure would be dark chocolate. I also love burgers. I eat gluten-free and dairy-free, so I have to work around that though!

Question 14

What do you like most about the position you play?

Tanner: I love the freedom you have playing center. Although it is a lot of work and you have to play a lot in the defensive zone as well, I love the extra responsibility you have!

Question 15

Who is your all-time favorite player and favorite NHL team?

Tanner: My all-time favorite player would be Pavel Datsyuk. He was always so fun to watch and made me want to try new things every time I would go on the ice. Growing up in Michigan I was a big Detroit Red Wings fan, but that has changed now that I must play against them!

Question 16

What makes the Vancouver Canucks different from the other teams you've played with?

Tanner: This is my first year with the Canucks organization and I have only played for one other NHL team (the Chicago Blackhawks). The biggest thing I have noticed with Vancouver is how hard they push you on and off the ice. Their training camp was one of the toughest things I have been through. They really know how to push you out of your comfort zone and get you into great on ice shape.

Question 17

How do you balance your life as a father and professional athlete?

Tanner: Balancing the hockey life with the family life can be tough at times. You spend a lot of time on the road and so you are apart from your family often. It’s awesome that we now have the ability to FaceTime, so that helps with seeing them as much as I can when I’m in a hotel room across the country. As far as the “everyday life”, we usually have most afternoons/evenings to hangout with our families at home. I try to do as much as I can with them on those days. It’s good to disconnect from the “athlete” part and just be a dad sometimes.

Question 18

WHY ATP LAB?

Tanner: Being a professional athlete, it is really important to be in the best shape possible. ATP Lab allows me to keep my body in peak shape. It’s also a company that takes pride in their quality of supplements, which is very important to me. I’m able to trust them and I know that I’m taking the highest quality of supplements available.

Question 19

IN A FEW WORDS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FANS WHO SEEK A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE?

Tanner: Start small. You don’t need to go crazy right away. Try and make a few small changes in your diet and lifestyle and build from there. If you take a step back or eat something you shouldn’t, don’t get down on yourself. Stick with it and get yourself back on track!

Let us know in the comment section if you have a special question for one of our athletes?