How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life?

On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate.

💡 Key Highlights:

• The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game.

• Overcoming Adversity: Chris’s personal story of being cut from a team at 14 and how it fueled his NHL career.

• Effort and Motivation: How putting in 110% on and off the ice can help you achieve your dreams.

• Life Lessons: The value of being a good teammate and responding to challenges with resilience.

Chris reminds players that hockey is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the friendships you form, the lessons you learn, and the effort you put into every moment.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired as you head to your next game or practice!

#YouthHockey #ChrisTherien #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #OurKidsPlayHockey

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0:00 Intro

1:03 Chris Therien's Early Hockey Journey

3:31 Facing Adversity at Age 14

7:40 Confronting the Coach Who Cut Him

10:42 Returning to Hockey and Playing Multiple Sports

14:54 The Importance of Adversity in Youth Sports

19:37 Parental Expectations and Realistic Goals

24:01 Challenges in Youth Hockey Culture

29:28 Community vs. Business in Youth Sports

35:42 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

40:29 Navigating Youth Hockey Decisions

45:37 Lessons from NHL Experience

48:53 Championing Mental Fitness and Gratitude

50:50 Closing Remarks