I can't wait to share my next guest, Blake Sloan's hockey journey, because it is truly remarkable. Let me quickly summarize it in a couple sentences. Broken ankle, broken face, high school championship, NCAA National Champion, Stanley Cup Champion, a Europe Professional League Championship, and was on the bench when one of his Michigan teammates introduced the world to the now famous, the original Michigan move and lacrosse style goal.

Though he accomplished and experienced a lot of the good stuff during his incredible hockey journey, unfortunately, the road he traveled wasn't scripted to perfection, not having any challenges or hardships along the way, where everything just came easy for him. That doesn't happen for anyone, and Mr. Sloan was no exception. If you want to hear the story of a kid, who let his character, work ethic, adaptability and never give up mentality until you get what you want, then buckle up because we are in for a wild ride.

If you're ready to get wowed & inspired, grab the beverage of your choice and settle into a story that I know you're going to love, and this is only part one of his journey. Here we go :)

To learn more about Blake Sloan -

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5010

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_Sloan

For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick

Online Hockey Training

Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

In-person lessons with Coach Lance

https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

Tom Peart, a renowned former United States Marine Corps member and experienced hockey coach, unveils his extraordinary journey and insights in a fascinating conversation. His career, spanning over four decades, paints a vivid picture of his life and professional endeavors. Key Highlights: 🌲 Early Beginnings: In the snowy landscapes of Minnesota, Tom Peart developed his early love for hockey, braving the harsh outdoor elements to play. 🎖️ Armed Forces Impact: His experiences in the United States Marine Corps deeply shaped his character and approach to overcoming life's challenges. 🥅 Coaching Era: Transitioning from his military career to the world of coaching, Tom made a notable impact in the hockey community, leading both male and female teams for over four decades. ✍️ Literary Pursuits: Tom delves into his coaching experiences in his published work, 'A Vagabond Life,' and is in the process of writing his second book, 'The Boy in the Pond.' 📚 Life's New Chapter: As he steps into retirement, Tom focuses on his writing, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Tom Peart consistently highlights the value of resilience and a positive mindset in tackling challenges. His story, intertwined with his experiences in hockey and the Marine Corps, offers invaluable insights into perseverance and adaptability. You can pick up a copy of Mr. Peart's book: "A Vagabond Life: Stories from a Minnesota Hockey Coach" at the following link: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000281907259 (https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000281907259) or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick Online Hockey Training Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/ (https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/) In-person lessons with Coach Lance https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/ (https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/)

You can pick up a copy of Mr. Peart's book: "A Vagabond Life: Stories from a Minnesota Hockey Coach" at the following link:

https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000281907259

or on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick

Online Hockey Training

Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

In-person lessons with Coach Lance

https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

Chris McAlpine's journey from college hockey to the pros, especially his early days with the New Jersey Devils, offers a vivid glimpse into the life of a professional athlete. Here's a concise overview of his key experiences:

• Starting with the Devils: McAlpine shares his initial training camp experiences and the transition from college to professional hockey with the New Jersey Devils.
• Minor Leagues and Playoff Pressures: He talks about the challenges in the minors and the unique role of a Black Ace during playoffs.
• Moves Across Teams: McAlpine's career saw him with teams like the St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and LA Kings, each offering unique experiences and lessons.
  • St. Louis Blues: A significant shift in his career path.
  • Tampa Bay and Beyond: In Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Los Angeles, he faced new challenges and team dynamics.
• Transition to an Agent: Post-retirement, he discusses his shift to becoming a player agent, opening a new chapter in his life.
• Teamwork's Value: Emphasizing the importance of good teamwork, McAlpine reflects on the need for strong team relationships.
• Professional and Personal Balancing Act: He touches on the complexities of contract decisions and the importance of balancing personal and professional goals.
• Overcoming Challenges: McAlpine underscores managing negative thoughts and staying present-focused as key to navigating the ups and downs of a hockey career.

McAlpine's story is more than just about hockey; it's a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset through a sports career's challenges and triumphs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_McAlpine

https://www.octagon.com/

For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick

Online Hockey Training

Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

In-person lessons with Coach Lance

https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

In today's episode, we're not only going to explore the hardships that come with the game of hockey but also the indomitable spirit of those who rise above them. We'll take inspiration from the timeless wisdom in the pages of three remarkable books that helped guide me through tough times. I hope some of the most significant ideas I will share today can help you if you're going through a rough patch early into this winter hockey season.

Remember that adversity and hockey hardships are merely a checkpoint on the path to success. It's where character is built, where legends are born, and where the heart of the game and its players shine brightest.

If there was a quote that you really connected with and you want to pick up a copy of the book so you can read it in its entirety, I've put links to the titles below. Thanks for stopping by and have an awesomely productive day :)

Book Number One

The Champion's Comeback

How Great Athletes Recover, Reflect, and Re-Ignite

By Jim Afremow

https://www.amazon.com/Champions-Comeback-Athletes-Recover-Re-Ignite/dp/1623366798?tag=entheos06-20

Book Number Two

The Art of Mental Training

A Guide to Performance Excellence

By DC Gonzalez

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Mental-Training-Performance-Excellence/dp/1490581677?tag=entheos06-20

Book Number Three

10-Minute Toughness

The Mental Training Program for Winning Before the Game Begins

By Jason Selk

https://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Toughness-Training-Program-Winning/dp/0071600639?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=sl1&tag=heroic097-20&linkId=7846b4de20071dd8dd1897d980ac93e6&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick

Online Hockey Training

Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

In-person lessons with Coach Lance

https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

In this episode of the Hockey Journey podcast, Coach Lance Pitlick interviews Terry Harper, a former NHL player with an impressive career spanning 18 years. Harper, known for his exceptional defensive skills, shares stories from his childhood in Saskatchewan, his journey through the NHL, and the challenges he overcame, including a severe burn injury. This episode provides a deep dive into Harper's life, his love for hockey, and the influential figures who helped shape his career.

Summary

• 🏒 Introduction to Terry Harper: Terry Harper, a former NHL player with five Stanley Cup victories, shares his journey in hockey, starting from his childhood in Saskatchewan.
• 📜 Early Life and Introduction to Hockey: Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Harper grew up playing hockey in the long winters, with his grandfather building a rink in the backyard.
• 🏆 NHL Career: Harper's career highlights include his time with the Montreal Canadiens, where he was known for his defensive skills and won multiple Stanley Cups.
• 🎓 Balancing Education and Hockey: Harper's journey included an attempt to balance college education with his professional hockey career, reflecting his dedication and perseverance.
• 🔥 Overcoming Adversity: Harper overcame a severe burn injury in his youth, which required extensive recovery and influenced his perspective on life and sports.
• 🌟 Influential Coaches: The influence of coaches like Toe Blake and the role they played in Harper's development as a player and a person.
• 🏒 Impact of World War II: The impact of WWII on Harper's family and community, highlighting the challenges and resilience of that era.

Insights Based on Numbers

• Five Stanley Cups: Harper's achievement of winning five Stanley Cups is a significant milestone, showcasing his skill and contribution to the teams he played for.
• 18-Year NHL Career: Harper's long career in the NHL, spanning 18 years, reflects his consistency and high performance as a defensive player.
• 1940s Hockey: The context of playing hockey in the 1940s, with fewer teams (only six NHL teams), meant making a team was a significant accomplishment, indicating Harper's exceptional talent.

To learn more about Terry Harper -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Harper

For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick

Online Hockey Training

Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

In-person lessons with Coach Lance

https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/