For the past few years, I have been Producing shows and interviewing various hockey Coaches and Players out of Wayne Gretzkys’ restaurant. Among meeting some of the greatest past and present to play the game, I have been fortunate to have met some incredible hockey families. Many parents have asked me time and time again, what is the best piece of advice they can offer to their children who have aspirations and dreams of making it to the NHL. I decided to ask a few expert’s, people I highly respect and have had the pleasure of working with; Washington Capitals Head Coach Bruce Boudreau, Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Greg Gilbert and Former NHL Player Mike Johnson. Hope their answers’ encourage and inspire all to pursue their dreams big or small!

“Write down your priorities! Keep focused on what is important. If I could do it over again, I would train more, and focus on what I wanted for the future not what I wanted right now. The second thing I would tell any kid is to NEVER give up, keep trying, keep focused, and believe! Hope is what drives us. It may not always be exactly as planned, but as long as we keep trying and never give up, there is always a chance. I finally made it as a coach. I did play briefly as a player, but it is as a coach that I have had the most success. Not what I imagined, but I still love hockey, I love my job, and I am living my dream.”  Bruce Boudreau

“All athletes go through challenges and people saying you are not capable of doing certain things. They do not know what you are capable of. You as an athlete with dreams and desire set your own boundaries. You are capable of anything. But it is up to you. Give yourself the best opportunity to be the best you can be. Work hard, learn. And don’t let anyone say “you can’t.” Greg Gilbert

“My advice to any young boy or girl who dreams of playing in the NHL is pretty simple. The most important thing when playing hockey is to make sure that you are having fun, there is plenty of time to be really serious when you get older, but when you are young, just focus on having fun. As far as advice for becoming a better hockey player, I have 2 ideas. Firstly, play a lot of different sports, coordination and body control are things that can be best learned while playing different sports. Secondly, when you are young, focus on improving your skating, it is the most important skill to develop at a young age. Other than that, have a great time playing this great game!” Mike Johnson

Orla Lawrie