The new series 'Tales from the Tunnel' pulls back the curtain on the hidden moments that unfold behind the scenes of the Prudential Center, offering fans a glimpse into the everyday lives of hockey players.
One of those stories belongs to Paul Cotter, a former Chicago Wolves forward who spent the 2019‑20 AHL season chasing a playoff dream that was abruptly halted by the COVID‑19 pandemic.
When the league shut down, Cotter headed back to his home state of Michigan, where he found an unexpected summer job at a local golf course.
Far from the ice, he spent his days swinging clubs, lounging in the clubhouse, and swapping stories with friends who were equally eager for a break from the usual routine.
A Summer of Surprises
The most surprising twist came at the end of the season when his employer handed him twenty unclaimed paychecks, a quirky reminder that even in leisure there can be hidden rewards.
Cotter says the time on the fairway sharpened his game in ways he hadn't anticipated, and he later recounted the episode to former Devils teammates such as Stefan Noesen, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier and Brett Pesce.
The anecdote, shared with a smile, underscores how humor and unexpected moments can illuminate the personalities that usually stay out of the spotlight.
For Cotter, the summer turned into a narrative that he hopes will inspire the 'Tales from the Tunnel' series to capture the full spectrum of life for players, from the locker room to the golf course.