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As I sit down to reflect on my hockey journey, one word comes to mind: perseverance. It's a word that holds significant weight in the world of sports and in life in general. My own experience in college hockey serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance in achieving one's dreams. The Summer before my Senior season my brothers and I trained 6 to 7 hours per day. We focused on every detail of our game, so we were prepared for the upcoming season. I remember showing up to camp and my assistant coach came up to me and said, I have never seen you in this good of shape. I was so confident my Senior season was going to be the breakout season I needed.
I vividly recall a challenging time during my senior year of college when I felt like throwing in the towel and giving up on my hockey career. Despite dedicating countless hours to training and preparation, I found myself sidelined, relegated to the role of a "healthy scratch." About a month into the season my Coach was not happy with my play, so he benched me. In College hockey teams dressed 12 forwards (4 lines) each game. College teams usually carry 16-17 forwards so if you aren’t in the top 12 you are watching the game from the stands. The term used in hockey is a “healthy scratch.” The disappointment and frustration were palpable as I grappled with doubts about my abilities and the future of my career.
In moments like these, it's easy to succumb to negative thoughts and question the worthiness of our efforts. For the next month I was a healthy scratch, and I was to the point of giving up. I remember having thoughts like this, why even work hard when it doesn’t make a difference? Why eat healthy, it doesn’t make a difference? Why continue to work hard if it doesn't seem to make a difference? Is the pursuit of our dreams truly worth the sacrifices we make along the way?
However, it's during these moments of doubt and adversity that the true test of character emerges. Perseverance is not about achieving immediate success; rather, it's about enduring difficulties and delays with unwavering determination. The question you have to ask yourself is, is this journey worth it? The dream I have in my heart to play Division 1 hockey or play in the NHL, is it worth it? Is it worth the goalless games, the soreness after a workout, the strict diet, the going to bed to prepare for the next day when all your friends are out late having fun. Is it all worth it? I am here to tell you, yes 100% it is worth it!! If you stick with the journey, I promise you, your dreams will come TRUE.
During the time I was a healthy scratch I made a choice to persevere, to continue pushing forward despite the challenges I faced. I was mature enough to not listen to the lie going on in my head and I maintained my dedication to training, nutrition, and self-discipline, refusing to let setbacks define my journey. And eventually, my resilience paid off. I remember during these trying times I would carry around a note card that had Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
After a month of being benched, my "due time" came. I was given another opportunity to prove myself on the ice. Matter of fact, my Coach called me in his office and apologized to me for benching me and said he wanted me to play a vital role on the team the remainder of the season. I seized the opportunity with fervor, becoming one of the top scorers on the team and playing a crucial role in our success.
Maybe that is you today. You are in a situation where you don’t feel like you are where you need to be in your hockey career. You are seeing other players get opportunities to play juniors, signing Division 1 scholarships, or NHL contracts. None of that means anything. You need to look straight ahead and focus on your career and PERSEVERE. Trust me, every player will need to face perseverance straight on in their career. So, one of two things are happening in you right now, you are in that battle of perseverance, or you will be facing it in the future. Going through trials is nothing to be scared of you just need to prepare yourself to persevere when the going gets tough. NEVER give up, because there is success on the other side of perseverance.
Looking back on that pivotal moment my Senior year, I realized the profound impact of perseverance. It's not just about overcoming obstacles; it's about emerging stronger, more resilient than before. Every trial we face is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
For anyone currently struggling with their own challenges, I urge you to embrace the power of perseverance. Trust in your abilities, stay committed to your goals, and never lose sight of your dreams. Success may not come easy, but it's always within reach for those who refuse to give up. My challenge to you today is to “reset” and dream BIG. Dream bigger than what you or your coaches think you can accomplish. Then stick to the dream and persevere through the trials.
I always ask our players to really watch the response of the players when they win the Stanley Cup. It is a great picture of an athlete overcoming and persevering through many hard times. The Stanley Cup is very emotional for the player and their family. As they raise the Cup over their head it is a visual of a player (and the family) sticking to the vision in the player's heart. Holding the Cup is showing that getting cut from a team, getting hurt, getting benched, people telling you are not good enough, and any other trial a player faces is not going to win. Perseverance WINS!
As I've witnessed countless times in the world of hockey, perseverance ultimately leads to VICTORY. So, dream big, push through the tough times, and remember that on the other side of perseverance lies triumph.
Coach Klage Kaebel
Legacy Hockey
"Leaving a Legacy"
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