Eight years ago, I played a mere 8 games as the backup goalie on my Brunswick High School hockey team. Today, I’m living out dreams that I didn't know were possible. 

When people look at my career they often only see the recent success I’ve experienced, but they may fail to recognize the mindset that propelled these achievements into action. So let me elaborate. Like most players, my journey began as a hockey obsessed kid. A kid with a Henrik Lundqvist fathead above his bed, a love for lacing up the skates before school, and an unmatched pride for being a part of the exclusive group who earned the right to wear the bright red Greenwich Skating Club jackets. This hockey obsessed kid was like many others, just an enthusiastic young player with untapped potential–a fire in need of a spark. Fortunately, at the age of 13, I got that spark upon being introduced to a recently retired NHL goalie named Steve Valiquette. 

Through working with Steve, I learned what commitment to the process means. He encouraged me to pour my energy into the game I love without any expectations other than to improve each day. At first it was intimidating to commit to the unknown and possibly risk failure. But this mentor influenced my self-belief, demonstrating that with hard work and discipline all of my goals were within reach. Thus I began flipping the switch from simply going through the motions to approaching my process ‘all in.’

My ‘all in’ approach not only jump started my career but also sparked an overall sense of personal curiosity which still allows me to progress each year. My desire to grow continuously motivates me to ask the necessary questions to gain key knowledge. This combination of knowledge and curiosity serves as a feedback loop which continues to offer new resources that yield competitive advantages. For example, early in my career as I began looking for ways to get in better shape, I was referred to a world-class gym called Prentiss. Their passion towards peak performance rubbed off on me and I became hooked on nutrition and wellness. This newfound interest has since guided me to countless books, podcasts, and other professionals who have helped me increase my understanding and strive towards the best version of myself.

There are countless people who have played a major role in my career, and it is important to note that each connection has made a powerful impression on me as a whole. Meeting people who share a similar passion for growth provides me with a community and support system that I can lean on and learn from. It began with one coach and since has extended to countless coaches, teammates, and mentors whom I have been fortunate to cross paths with. Each of these individuals has taught me something different and has pushed me to be the best version of myself every day.

My experience playing alongside Michael Kapla, the co-founder of HAUS, epitomizes the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who support you. Having a teammate that I could be vulnerable with and learn from made my days at the rink more enjoyable and offered me a sense of perspective during both triumph and adversity. In this sense, connections with people who mirror your commitment and foster your curiosity exemplifies exactly what HAUS represents.

I was playing in the NHL, and thus thought I had reached the pinnacle of my sport. And just when I was feeling great about myself and excited with the direction my career was going, life presented me with some adverse situations which I wasn’t properly prepared to deal with. Until this point, I had built my confidence on my previous successes, rather than from within. So when I started to struggle in hockey, relationships, and other areas of my life I did not know where to turn. I thought that I was working hard, eating right, and doing everything I had been told to do, yet this was not offering me the level of success that I strived for. 

After a strong season of hockey, I was not getting the offers I desired. I took a look in the mirror to decide what I wanted from this game. Was it going to be something I enjoyed more casually, being happy to make money playing a game or was I going to go all in? That day I made an honest commitment to pursue my hockey career to the best of my ability.

Feeling excited and rejuvenated with my fresh mindset, I began to approach my craft from a new place of curiosity. I set a course to explore any edge which could help me grow as a player, but just as importantly as a person. This led me to dive deep into areas like nutrition, movement, breathwork, recovery–absolutely anything that I felt could help me. I evaluated myself honestly and decided what I needed to do to improve.  

While becoming more in control of my game and my life, at the same time my new approach made me feel like an outsider. I simply lacked a group of people who shared similar interests. Then I met a coach, turned mentor, turned friend. Besides helping me grow physically and mentally, he introduced me to his network of friends and I soon had a tribe. More and more people started to show up in my life as I lived in an authentic way true to who I am. Through hockey I met Strauss and we had an instant connection because of our mutual interests. That is when the idea for this program was developed. I continue to find the connection I am seeking and am grateful to keep building new relationships to this day. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me as I continue to pursue my goals and help teach others what I’ve learned along the way.