YouTube/PokemonVancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk says his unlikely side hobby has cost him some respect in the locker room.
The 28-year-old winger admitted he’s been ribbed by teammates ever since an Instagram video surfaced in August showing him buying over $1,000 worth of Pokemon cards.
“Once the camera came out, I didn’t know if it was gonna go everywhere in three days, or three years, but then, it was everywhere,” DeBrusk told Daily Hive.
“So I can’t hide it no more. It’s a little side hobby I picked up, a little side hustle, and it’s been kind of funny actually, see what the reaction is.”
NHL pro says teammates look at him “differently” over Pokemon cards
While the Canucks leaned into it by filming a pack-opening skit with DeBrusk on the golf course, he admits he’s the only hockey player on the roster who actually collects.
“They look at me differently, that’s for sure,” the NHL pro said. “I definitely lost some street cred, so I’m earning that back.”
According to DeBrusk, that redemption effort now includes covering coffees and team lunches. “I don’t know if I’m just paying for everything now. It’s getting a little suspect, not gonna lie.”
The Edmonton native has only been in the hobby for about six months, but says the spotlight on his collection has taken him by surprise.
Only time will tell if his Pokemon passion can win over teammates, or even boost his game the way NBA star Luka Dončić actually puts up better basketball stats when a new season of Overwatch 2 launches.
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