Bring Your B Game: The Power of Consistency in Youth Hockey

In this inspiring episode of Ride to the Rink, former Boston Bruins forward Bobby Robins drops one of the most impactful pieces of hockey wisdom you may ever hear: "You don’t have to bring your A game every night, but you better bring your B game."

For young players, parents, and coaches alike, this message resonates on every level. It's a reminder that greatness isn't built on rare, perfect performances. It's built on dependable effort, day in and day out.

Bobby's Turning Point: From Inconsistent to Pro-Level Pro

Robins shared that it wasn’t until his sixth year as a pro that things clicked. After overcoming personal challenges and getting dialed in, he became the kind of player every coach wants: reliable, consistent, and all-in. Under the guidance of Bruce Cassidy (yes, the same Bruce Cassidy who now coaches the Vegas Golden Knights), Bobby received this game-changing advice:

"Bobby, you don’t have to bring your A game every night, but you better bring your B game."

This wasn’t just encouragement. It was a challenge—and a blueprint.

Why Consistency Beats Flashy Performances

Bobby described the trap many players fall into: showing up with a brilliant A game one night, then disappearing with a D game the next. That inconsistency sends mixed signals to coaches and teammates.

Instead, Robins learned to show up ready to compete no matter how he felt:

• Sick? Bring your B game.

• Tired? Bring your B game.

• Feeling off? Still bring your B game.

Because B stands for "good," and good hockey consistently wins.

A Message for Young Players: Be Curious, Stay Creative

Host Lee Elias emphasized that kids need to stay curious and ask the tough questions:

• What do I need to do to get better?

• Why am I not performing like I want to?

• What separates those who make it from those who don’t?

That kind of curiosity is a skill, and it's one every young athlete already has. The challenge is keeping it alive. As Lee said, "Don’t let judgment rob you of your performance. Stay curious."

Go For It, With No Regrets

Bobby ended the episode with a heartfelt message: chase your dream fully, so that when your hockey journey ends—whether in the NHL, college, or youth leagues—you can look back with no regrets.

"If you can end your journey saying, 'I didn’t have any regrets, and I’m ready for what’s next,' that's a success."

Key Takeaways:

• Consistency is king. Always bring your B game.

• Curiosity fuels growth. Keep asking, learning, and evolving.

• No regrets. Give everything you have to your hockey journey.

Let this episode be a powerful reminder that showing up consistently matters more than perfection. Share it with your hockey family, your team, or that player who needs to hear it most.

Listen to the full episode of Ride to the Rink with Bobby Robins and get inspired to bring your best—every single day.

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