For young hockey players hoping to transition into professional players a lot has to go right. The player has to possess elite skills, hope for the right timing to garner an opportunity, and display an incredible amount of mental resiliency. 

Quite often the difference in a player making the NHL versus not, comes down to their mental strength. Numerous players have similar abilities athletically, however the game’s best have a rare and almost unimaginable will to succeed. 

Several aspiring players past and present have been told “you’re not big enough” or “you’ll never play professionally.” While the latter quote is more often than not an accurate statement, there are certain individuals who have overcome the odds to carve careers in the NHL. 

They have shown their doubters and people I refer to as dream killers, that they have the perseverance, work ethic, and........

© Peterborough Examiner