What is the one piece of advice you wish you had heard when you were starting your career?
Focus more on the process instead of the results.
What has been your greatest achievement so far? Your greatest regret?
Achievement: Having a family.
Regret: Learning more talents when I was younger. I’ve always had a love for music and would’ve liked to have learned to play more instruments when I was a kid.
When did you feel you had “made it?”
2012 playoffs versus Boston. It was Game 7 on the road in Boston and we won 2-1 in a really close game. It was a tough series and to come out and winning the way we did was gratifying.
How do you define success?
Improving yourself every day.
What job or position have you previously had that helped you get to where you are today?
Working on my parents’ farm in Canada. It was tough manual labor and I had to wake up to work really early every morning. It taught me how to have a strong work ethic.
What do you do after a disappointment?
Analyze, then work harder the next day.
Give us an idea of your work/life balance philosophy.
Be in the present during both. When I’m home with my wife and kids I don’t want to think about hockey. We have a tough schedule with all the travel so when I’m with them I want to be completely engaged and not worrying about what’s going on with hockey.
What is the one thing you do for yourself every day, or at least once a week?
Play guitar.
What’s one thing you still want to do with your life?
Help my kids succeed in their lives.
Any advice for those who strive to become a professional athlete?
Fully commit and enjoy the ride.
