After spending the last four seasons starring at the University of Minnesota, the Eden Prairie native admits that he is still adjusting to his new life outside the North Star State as he approaches the midway point of his first full season with the Portland Pirates.
“It’s my first time, pretty much, living outside of Minnesota,” said Rau, a third-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2011. “I’ve been adjusting to that a little bit. It’s been nice, though, to live on my own and make my own decisions. It’s also nice not having any schoolwork or anything to worry about and being able to come home from the rink and relax.