For some kids, growing up in the shadow of a legendary athlete parent can be more of a curse than a blessing, with every amateur-league win being outshined by the sparkle of said parent's fistful of championship rings. But true to form, that was thankfully not the case for Syosset native Eric Nystrom, whose father Bobby—a former Islanders great who hoisted the Stanley Cup an incredible four times—remains Long Island royalty.

Now a seasoned NHLer himself, 27-year-old Eric—recently signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Wild—looks back fondly on his childhood, which was mostly spent trekking from the family's Syosset home to virtually every rink in the area. And even though his dad was famous for his on-ice tenacity, it turns out being the son of "Mr. Islander" wasn't so tough after all.