Great players don’t hoard their wisdom — they pass it on
Hey Hockey Family,
As the season kicks off, I want to talk about something that matters just as much as skill or stats: mentorship and leadership.
When I was a young, dumb rookie, I looked up to the older veterans on my teams. Some of them took me under their wing, shared wisdom, and showed me how to be a pro. I always appreciated that.
But I also made a habit of watching closely. I could sense who was the real deal and who wasn’t. I’d study how guys carried themselves in the locker room, on the ice, in the gym, even in those quiet moments when no one was watching. And one thing stood out: the great ones never hoarded their experience. They were always willing to share.
If I ever asked about a detail in my game, they gave me feedback. They answered questions. They poured into me. And that made me want to do the same for the next wave coming up.
When I was with the Providence Bruins, chasing my NHL dream, I was one of the older players in the league. The organization trusted me to mentor younger guys. They even told me directly, “Help this guy out.”
One of those guys was Tyler Randell. He was tough as nails, ten years younger, and he played the same heavy style I did. Truth be told — he scared me! We were basically fighting for the same spot on the Boston Bruins’ fourth line.
But instead of seeing him as just competition, I took him under my wing. I wanted to help him learn how to be a good pro, the same way others had helped me.
I ended up cracking the NHL, and when my career ended from injury, the very next year Tyler was NHL-ready. He played a full season with the Bruins, scored big goals, and fought the toughest guys in the league. I was proud to see him succeed.
Years later, we reconnected in Canada. We reminisced about our careers, and he thanked me for mentoring him — for helping him bridge the gap from rookie to legitimate NHLer. Hearing that meant the world to me.
Here’s the truth: yeah, everyone is competing for a roster spot. But the hockey world — and life — has a way of giving back what you put in. You reap what you sow.
So as the season starts, here’s my encouragement:
If you’re young, find a mentor. Watch the veterans. Ask questions. Learn everything you can.
If you’re older, don’t hoard your experience. Pour into your teammates. Share what you’ve learned. Help the young pups become true pros.
Because leadership isn’t about holding onto power. It’s about lifting others up.
See you in the trenches,
—Bobby Robins, savage motivator, ex hockey pro