NHL Work Ethic Starts With You — Lessons From Flyers' Riley Armstrong

💥 The Real Difference Between Good and Great

When it comes to hockey, every young player dreams of skating like an NHL pro. But as Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, reminds us — greatness doesn’t start with goals or assists. It starts with effort.

Riley joined Lee and Mike on The Ride To The Rink to talk about one of the most powerful lessons in hockey: bringing your best, every single day, no matter what.

🏒 Why Effort Matters More Than Talent

Every parent knows the feeling — rushing from work, taping sticks, tying skates, making sure your kid gets their chance to chase the dream. And as Riley puts it, the only thing parents truly want to see is effort.

“If your mom or dad is driving you to the rink and working so hard for you, the best thing you can do is give 110% every time you lace up.”

It’s not about perfection. It’s about commitment. That extra push on a tough day shows character — and it’s the habit that separates the future pros from the players who plateau.

💡 Surround Yourself With The Right Teammates

Hockey culture is powerful. Riley warns young athletes not to fall into the “class clown trap.”

“There’s nothing wrong with the guy who tries really hard. The class clown gets weeded out. The person who tries the hardest is the one who moves on.”

Your circle matters. Surround yourself with players who challenge you, support you, and share your goals. Effort is contagious — and so is apathy.

🩹 How NHL Players Push Through Adversity

From broken ribs to swollen feet, NHL players battle through pain most fans will never see. But they show up anyway.

“They might not be at 100%, but they bring 100% of what they’ve got that day.”

That’s what makes them pros — not the paycheck, but the professionalism. Young players can adopt that same mindset. Whether it’s a bad day at school or a tough loss, the key is to show up, ready to work.

❤️ Loving The Game — The Foundation Of Everything

“If you don’t love the game, the game won’t love you back.” Riley’s words hit home. At the core of every practice, every long car ride, every 6 a.m. wake-up is one thing: love for the game.

Parents, those car rides matter more than you think. Someday, your kids will look back on them as some of the best memories of their hockey life.

🚗 The Ride That Lasts Forever

Hockey ends, but the lessons don’t. Riley, Lee, and Mike remind parents and players alike to enjoy the journey.
It’s not just about chasing the NHL dream — it’s about the bond, the discipline, and the pride that come from giving your all.

So next time you head to the rink, remember: effort is the ultimate gift — to yourself, your team, and the people who believe in you.

🔑 Main Takeaways

• Effort beats talent when talent doesn’t try.

• Surround yourself with driven, supportive teammates.

• Bring 100% of whatever you’ve got that day.

• Love the game — it gives back what you put in.

• Cherish every car ride. That’s the real ride to the rink.