You gotta use it as fuel.
I grew up playing hockey in northern Wisconsin as the only person of color in my town who played hockey.
I have incredible memories from those days. Endless hours on the outdoor rink. Cold mornings. Frozen toes. The smell of the locker room. Falling in love with the game.
But I also remember something else.
I remember getting picked on.
I remember being called names.
I remember the confusion of being a kid and wondering why someone didn't like me when they didn't even know me.
That feeling sticks with you.
As I climbed the ranks in hockey, I experienced a few racial incidents on the ice too. They hurt. They made me angry. They made me question people.
But somewhere along the way, I made a decision.
I was going to use it as fuel.
I stopped asking, "Why are they treating me like this?"
Instead I started asking, "How can I use this to make myself stronger?"
As I got older, I realized something.
Some people simply aren't going to like you.
Especially if you're chasing something big.
Especially if you're different.
Especially if you're successful.
When I was playing pro hockey, I wasn't exactly making a lot of friends on the opposing bench. I was running around throwing body checks, protecting my teammates, and playing with reckless abandon. That's hockey.
But here's the difference...
You can play the game with toughness without tearing people down.
Back when I was growing up, bullying and hazing were often treated as just part of hockey culture. Thankfully, our game has come a long way. We understand now how much damage those things can do to a young player.
So if you're being bullied at school...
If you're getting picked on in the locker room...
If someone is trying to make you feel small...
Remember this:
People who hurt other people are usually carrying hurt themselves.
That doesn't excuse their behavior.
But understanding that truth gives you power.
Instead of carrying bitterness...
Carry purpose.
Instead of carrying anger...
Carry determination.
Use it as fuel.
Train harder.
Become stronger.
Become the kind of teammate who lifts people up instead of tearing them down.
And remember...
Lay people out with a clean body check.
Never with your words.
Respect your teammates.
Respect your opponents.
Respect the game.
And over time, the game will respect you back.
Knuckles up,
Bobby Robins, savage motivator, NHL Alum, Writer for Wraparound
P.S. Winning a Stanley Cup takes unbelievable talent...but it also takes grit, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity. I guarantee you that somewhere in that championship locker room are players who were bullied, doubted, laughed at, or told they'd never make it. They used it as fuel. You can too.
And speaking of champions...we've still got a limited number of Carolina Championship Blade Shades available. Grab yours before they're gone and celebrate the guts it takes to chase a dream...on and off the ice.