Florida Panthers Q&A: Ryan Lomberg talks fatherhood and building off a career year
Ryan Lomberg had a good excuse to miss the Florida Panthers’ first day of training camp Thursday.
He was at the hospital with his wife Marissa for the birth of their second child, a baby girl named Lennon. Their first child, son Roman, is one and a half.
“Truly a veteran move,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said jokingly of Lomberg missing the first day of camp. “We would chirp him heavily about [it] except he’s an incredibly fit guy. We’ll get our fitness results from our testing back here very soon, but he wants the title. If there’s going to be a guy to miss a day of camp, Ryan’s got a green light.”
Lomberg, 28, is coming off a career year with the Panthers, which ended in the Stanley Cup Final. The winger, primarily a bottom-six forward known for providing a spark with his speed and physicality, played all 82 regular-season games for the first time in his NHL career. He set career highs in goals (12) and points (20). His 149 hits were second among Florida forwards behind only Sam Bennett (150).
Lomberg spoke to a group of reporters Friday after his first day on the ice. Below is a Q&A from that interview, edited lightly for length and clarity.
What have the last 24 hours been like for you?
“Yeah, obviously we welcomed our second child into this world. Very, very good day for the Lomberg family. Baby and my wife are are doing well. Everybody’s healthy and happy. It was a smooth and great day.”
Second time around for you guys. Confident you both knew what you were doing this time?
“We did. My wife was a champion in that delivery room, that’s for sure. It definitely didn’t seem like her first time. It obviously wasn’t. It was about as smooth as it could have went. It was great.”
On fatherhood in general, how did that change your perspective or outlook on life?
“It’s tough to put into words what it means to be a father. Obviously, it’s something that’s bigger than hockey. It’s tough to sometimes take yourself out. Obviously, we have a very fortunate and lucky job and we’ve all been training our whole lives to get to this point, but looking beyond hockey, something I’ve always wanted was a big family. Very excited to welcome another little Lomberg into the family. Very, very lucky and fortunate.”
What’s it like being back on the ice — Day 1 for you, Day 2 for them?
“It’s awesome. Obviously the excitement is in the air. You welcome some new guys, and there’s obviously some clarity with coach and his training camp from last year. Just like last year, we hit the ground running here. Everybody’s working. Everybody’s skating. Everybody’s getting after it. So it’s good to be back. Next season’s around the corner. We’re all looking forward to it.”
Maurice was joking Thursday that if anyone was fit enough to miss a day of training camp, it’s you. How did you feel out there?
“I feel great. There are probably a handful of us that are in that conversation. I’m lucky he mentioned me to be one of them. But I couldn’t be happier to be out there with the guys again. It’s tough. Obviously, having a kid is a good reason to miss a day of training camp. But to hear about how the guys are battling and grinding, it’s tough to not be around when when stuff like that is happening. So I was happy to be back out there today, working hard with the guys, sweating and grinding away with the guys for sure.”
How different is it coming back after a year like you guys had?
“It’s great. Obviously we’re all excited to see what we can accomplish this year. We fell a little bit short last year, but I think as an organization, we took some great and big steps. We’re all excited to see what we can accomplish this season.”
For you personally, where did you see the biggest strides in your game last season?
“I think just being more consistent with it was something I want to pride myself in. I think I took a step in the right direction that way. Obviously looking to improve on that again this season.”
How did it feel to establish yourself as an everyday player and a guy the coaching staff can trust to have on the ice on a nightly basis?
“It’s been great. To feel that confidence from from the coaching staff and my teammates obviously helps me be more confident out. Just helping in any way I can. I think last year I took some strides in the right direction offensively. I look to help the team wherever I can for sure.”
We hear dad strength is a thing. Are you feeling that?
“Maybe. Maybe. I know that the first time around, I was feeling pretty strong, too, but it might be something about all the weightlifting I’ve been doing, too.”
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