DAVID Pastrnak may only be in his late twenties, but he’s already a legend in the hockey world, having made a name for himself both in the US and international circuits.
Hockey fans, enthusiasts, and viewers have been watching David Pastrnak play with the Boston Bruins since 2014, and have even given him an affectionate nickname based on his pre-game ritual.
What is David Pastrnak’s nickname?
David Pastrnak is from the Czech Republic, leaving some US audiences struggling to pronounce his last name correctly.
Thankfully, Pastrnak’s fans have given him a nickname that’s both easy to say, and whimsical too.
Pastrnak goes by the name “Pasta” to his teammates, fans, and friends.
During an interview with the Spittin’ Chiclets hockey podcast, Pasta answered the number one question hockey enthusiasts had for him – does he really eat pasta before every game?
“Yeah, it’s actually the only thing I eat,” said Pastrnak.
“Sometimes I skip breakfast, usually on optional skates, I skip breakfast and don’t go on the ice, so I’m perfectly hungry for the lunch.”
“And, yeah, I just eat spaghetti and meat sauce, man,” he added.
He did, however, reveal that he switched up his pregame ritual one time, out of necessity.
“[I was] just going to the elevator obviously [with] full hands, trying to press the button and boom, the whole meat sauce and pasta and spaghetti, just [fell] all in the elevator, and I’m just freaking out,” Pastrnak said.
“It’s like 12:30, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I need to nap, like, what am I going to do? I’m not going to cook spaghetti and meat sauce and stuff.’ So I ordered Subway actually, the nice foot long, you know, and, scored three goals that game.”
What does David Pastrnak’s nickname mean?
What started as pregame ritual of eating pasta Bolognese, David Pastrnak’s nickname, Pasta, has blossomed into a full-fledged business.
On Tuesday, October 5, 2021, Pasta revealed a new collaboration with a local supermarket chain, Stop & Shop.
The limited-edition boxes of penne, dubbed “Pasta’s pasta,” were available at local stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
All proceeds from Pasta’s pasta, on sale for 88 cents – a nod to Pasta’s jersey number – were donated to support pediatric cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
“I want to take advantage of the position I’m in,” said Pastrnak, as reported by the NHL.
“It takes very little for me to help the community.”
“It’s so easy for us to take a couple hours per day [to help] Dana Farber.”
“I really want to help out, especially for kids,” he added.
Pasta also revealed his favorite types of pasta.
“I like all the types [of pasta],” Pastrnak said.
“I try to switch it up. My favorite is obviously penne. Pretty much any pasta that has Bolognese on it.”
He did, however, admit to having to “switch it up” as to not get bored of his signature dish.
“It’s a long season, so you get a little tired of it,” Pastrnak said.
“I came up with this new recipe. I have pasta penne, obviously – I’m going to have to start eating some Pasta pasta, bring it over to our chef – with Bolognese.”
“I put a scoop of alfredo and a scoop of pesto. Doesn’t sound great but tastes unbelievable,” he added.
Who is David Pastrnak?
David Pastrnak is a Czech professional ice hockey player.
He was born on May 25, 1996, in Havifov, Czech Republic.
Pastrnak, also known as Pasta, is currently a right winger and alternate captain for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League.
Pasta cites his father, Milan, as the primary reason he began pursuing ice hockey professionally.
In 2013, just one year before Pasta made it to the pros, Milan passed away following a lengthy cancer battle.
Pasta was selected by the Bruins in the 2014 NHL Draft as the 25th overall pick.
He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins on July 15, 2014.
On September 14, 2017, the Bruins re-signed Pasta to a six-year contract extension, reportedly worth $40 million.
On March 2, 2023, during the 2022-23 season, Pasta extended his contract for an additional eight years, a deal worth $90 million.
He finished the season with 61 goals and 113 points, a career best.
Pasta wrapped up the 2023-24 season with 47 goals, 63 assists, and 110 points across all 82 contests played.
When not playing with the Bruins, Pasta also competes internationally, representing the Czech Republic.
The team finished fifth at the 2016 IIHF World Championships.
Pasta is also a devoted boyfriend and father.
He’s been dating his longtime girlfriend, Rebecca Rohlsson, since July 2018.
On June 17, 2021, the duo welcomed a baby boy, Viggo Rohl Pastrnak.
Tragically, Viggo died when he was just six days old on June 23, 2021.
Two years later, on June 8, 2023, the couple revealed they had welcomed another child together, a baby girl named Freya Ivy Pastrnak.
“Freya Ivy Pastrnak už je na světě,” Pasta captioned the post, which translates to “Freya Ivy Pastrnak is already in the world.”
“We’ve dreamt about this moment for long time and I couldn’t be more proud of my two beautiful girls.”
“I can’t wait to watch you be the best mamma to our little nugget,” he added, alongside a pink heart emoji and the hashtag #tátaprincezny, which translates to “Daddy’s princess.”