On the ice and at home, Mike Matheson knows the power of routine. As a Montreal Canadiens defenceman, family man and pet owner, he keeps his days tightly structured, helping him be there for those who need him most, including his dog, a Goldendoodle named Hank.
During the in-season stretch, Matheson has three routines that keep him skating, focused and ready for the demands of his personal and professional life.
Practice day routine
Matheson wakes up early for a regimented practice routine that can include high-intensity exercise, total body conditioning and versatility training. The afternoons are more flexible.
“In the afternoon, you're kind of on your own to do what you wish,” he said. “So that's usually my time to spend as much time with my family as possible.”
Game day routine
Games are just as regimented as practice days. Even eating and napping are perfectly timed to ensure he’s mentally sharp, physically primed and fully prepared for puck drops.
“We go into the rink, we do more skating and then everything kind of falls into place.”
Because the Montreal Canadiens travel all over North America to play, Matheson takes every chance he can get to squeeze in some family time. That’s why he calls his off days family days.
Family day routine
“The entire day is all family. We literally call it our “family day” because there are not a lot of those.”
Of course, that includes his Goldendoodle, Hank. According to Matheson, if his dog were a hockey player, he’d be a centerman, a friendly roamer who greets everyone in the room and supports every corner of the ice. It’s a personality that fits right in with the family atmosphere on those cherished days off.
“In hockey, if you train five days a week and two days the next, you’re not going to get anywhere,” he said. “It’s the same with dogs. If you mix up the rules or routines, it’s confusing for them.”
But even with all his respect for habits and routines, Matheson knows that every routine still has its surprises, especially when a dog is involved. When he was potty training his dog, he discovered that patience matters just as much as consistency.
“There were so many times where you felt like he figured it out. And then you come home the next day, and there's a mess all over the floor!”
Between surprise injuries, household mishaps and those “how did that happen?” moments, Mike realized something every pet owner eventually discovers: Pets don’t always follow the game plan.
That’s where a good support system matters.
Just as athletes rely on trainers, coaches and medical teams to be ready for anything, pet owners can rely on protection that helps them handle the unexpected.
How Petsecure helps families
Petsecure offers coverage that helps pet owners manage the unpredictable parts of pet ownership, so families can focus on what matters most: quality time together. What’s more, for families who are always on the go, like Matheson’s, that peace of mind is invaluable.
To get a free Petsecure quote today and prepare for the unexpected, simply click here.