3 NHL Lessons Drew Shore Wants You to Know

Drew Shore, former NHL player and current sports agent, reflects on his nine-year professional hockey career and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. In this newsletter, we'll explore the insights Drew wishes he had known as a young player and now shares with the next generation of athletes. His experiences highlight the crucial roles of mentorship, positive relationships with coaches, and being a good teammate in achieving long-term success in professional sports.

Here you’ll find:  

1. Why finding a mentor is crucial for athletic success

2. The career-boosting power of a positive coach relationship

3. How being a great teammate can improve your entire career

Why finding a mentor is crucial for athletic success

Drew Shore doesn't skip words when it comes to mentorship - he wishes he'd gotten the memo sooner. Turns out, not having a go-to guru in the NHL was like skating uphill with dull blades. Drew admits he was that guy who thought he knew it all. Big mistake. Now, he's all about spreading why mentorship is so important. Why? Because those who've been in the trenches can show you how to deal with the business side of the athletic world and how to make the best of your career. Drew's convinced that with the right mentor, he could've upped his game, found his sweet spot on the team, and made smarter plays off the ice. These days, as a sports agent, he's flipped the script - being the mentor he wished he'd had. Take it from Drew: find your hockey Yoda. Your future self will thank you.

The career-boosting power of a positive coach relationship

• Second chances: Drew emphasizes that coaches are more likely to give you another shot if they like you, even after a mistake on the ice.

• Playtime opportunities: A good relationship with your coach can lead to more ice time and better opportunities to showcase your skills.

• Perception is reality: Even if you think your coach isn't the smartest, making them believe you respect their decisions is key to building a strong relationship and keeping them as an ally.

• Long-term career impact: Coaches often have a say in contract negotiations and team dynamics, influencing your long-term prospects in the league.

• Learning to manage up: Drew points out that this skill translates beyond hockey - learning to work well with your superiors is crucial in any career.

How being a great teammate can improve your entire career

Picture this: Drew Shore, a young NHL hotshot, thinks he's got it all figured out. He's focused on being the star, the goal-scorer, the first-line center. But here's the plot twist – it wasn't until later in his career that Drew realized he'd been missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Being a stellar teammate wasn't just about high-fives; it was key for on-ice success and career longevity.

Now, Drew looks back and thinks, "Man, if only I'd known..." So, let's break down the 5 key points he learned about being a great teammate:

• Embracing your role: Drew learned that accepting and being the best in your assigned role, even if it's not the starring one, can lead to more playing time and team success.

• Off-ice chemistry: Building strong relationships with teammates off the ice translated to better on-ice communication and performance.

• Reputation matters: Being known as a good teammate can influence coaches' and management's decisions about your future with the team.

• Reducing stress: A positive team environment helps everyone perform better under pressure, including yourself.

• Career longevity: Drew noticed that players who were great teammates often had longer, more stable careers, even if they weren't always the top scorers.

Episode 38 is here

Quote of the week

3 questions for you to work on this week 

• How can I actively seek out mentorship opportunities in my field, and what qualities should I look for in a potential mentor?

• What specific actions can I take to improve my relationship with my coach or supervisor, even if we don't always see eye to eye?

• In what ways can I be a better teammate both on and off the ice/field, and how might this positively impact my performance and career?

We hope this episode with  Drew Shore has given you valuable insights into navigating the complex world of professional sports. Remember, success isn't just about individual talent – it's about building relationships, embracing your role, and constantly striving to be a positive force for your team.

Remember, this podcast is all about supporting each other as we navigate the challenges on and off the gridiron. Keep pushing forward and never stop growing!

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