If I could lace up the skates and do it all over again...
I’d talk to myself differently.
I’d never allow fear or doubt a seat at my table.
I’d fill my mind with truth — and silence every lie.
When I turned pro, I was scared.
Scared of failing.
Scared of fighting.
Scared of not being enough.
So I put on a ferocious mask. I pushed through. I did what I had to do. I tried to look fearless on the outside —
But inside, I was carrying way too much weight.
If I could go back, I’d remember this:
Hockey is supposed to be fun.
I’d smile more.
Laugh more.
Celebrate every shift.
There’s a time to be serious — but not at the cost of joy.
I’d also value my teammates more.
Hockey ends.
Friendships last.
And there are guys I should have stayed close with… but I was too locked in on “making it.”
And when it comes to off-ice life?
Yeah… I’d change a lot.
I let distractions creep in — partying, bad habits, unhealthy choices.
It stole time. It stole energy. It stole my edge.
If I could do it all again, I’d treat every game like a gift.
Every practice like a proving ground.
I’d realize this was a once-in-a-lifetime shot — and I’d savor it.
I’d train like I was the main character in a video game — a hero on a mission.
No fear.
No self-pity.
Just purpose.
Would my career have gone differently?
Maybe.
Maybe I would’ve made that NHL roster in Ottawa.
Maybe I would’ve stayed in North America instead of running to Europe out of fear.
Maybe I would’ve sharpened my hands more than my fists.
Maybe I would’ve played more than three games in The Show.
But here’s the truth:
I don’t regret my story.
Not one bit.
Because that pain — the concussion, the darkness, the brokenness —
It led me to something greater than hockey.
It led me to healing.
To purpose.
To a life beyond the game.
So this week, I leave you with this:
Talk to yourself like a champion.
Choose joy over fear.
Protect your friendships.
And never waste your shot.
You're living the dream right now — don’t sleep on it.
👇
Train Like It Matters
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Every Monday, I share raw truth, real talk, and powerful takeaways to help you grow in your game and your life.
Stay savage,
— Bobby Robins
NHL Veteran, Author, Wraparound Hockey