We thought the best way to talk about this topic was to share a personal experience. So sit back and read.

“I remember that between the ages of 16 and 20, I trained on the ice almost every day. Tuesday was the only day off. Sometimes I trained twice a day: in the morning from 6:45 to 7:30, then a shower and off to high school. Around mid-year, my homeroom teacher warned me: ‘You’ll have to choose—either you do sports or you study. You won’t manage both, and you can’t.’

I realized I wouldn’t get any support from the school environment. But deep down, I chose not to give up on either. Even if it meant making sacrifices and walking a tightrope every single day.

In what we now call the U20 category, it was clear the goal was to find talents who could make it into the professional world—which for us was a dream. Getting paid to do what you’d gladly do for free.

Among us teammates, we didn’t feel much pressure. We got along, had fun, and enjoyed our silly adolescence.

Totally different story when we had the chance to train with the NLA team. In that case, yes, you felt the pressure to prove yourself. For most of us, it was just the privilege of being able to say to ourselves: ‘I made it this far.’ There was even an audience at the training sessions. Exciting.

Practically speaking, it wasn’t easy. Picture the early 2000s. When we entered the NLA locker room, not all the veterans and foreign players looked kindly on us. We were the young guys called in to fill gaps in the training lines. Nothing more. Or at least, that’s how it felt.

Some were willing to help and gave advice. But others, for whatever reason, were annoyed by our presence. As if we’d done something wrong. During the first practices, we were nervous just walking into their locker room to see what color jersey we had to wear.

I remember a rainy day. The carpet in the locker room had just been laid, and it was forbidden to walk on it with shoes. We didn’t know. It was a disaster. From that moment on, even the few PRO friends we had distanced themselves.

Over time, they had no choice but to get used to our occasional presence. We were needed to keep the training flowing, and a coach rarely gives up the chance to have four or five full lines.

We’d change quickly in our U20 locker room to make sure we weren’t late for the pre-training exercise briefing. The coach would start explaining the drills. In English. And way too fast. Sure we hadn’t understood, we’d line up in the corners, always as far back as possible, so we had those two minutes to memorize the movements from the others. On lucky days, everything went fine.

But sometimes even the PROs didn’t get it, and then the rule was: ‘youngest goes first.’ You couldn’t really object. That’s a memory I carry with me, and it taught me a lot.

Because in that moment, the goal wasn’t to prove yourself anymore. You just hoped the guy on the other side would mess up before you did. That way, when the coach stopped everything to freak out, at least it wasn’t your fault and you didn’t get noticed. A scene as sad as it was true. For better or worse, that’s how we young players were—but not all of us.

The mentally stronger ones didn’t care and pushed anyway. Those were the players already mentally ready for the next step. Because their desire to stand out was stronger than their fear of making mistakes. How naïve and unsure of ourselves we were. It makes me smile now.

Let’s be clear: it wasn’t all bad. We pushed our bodies and minds to the next level. Today I’m grateful for those experiences. Whether or not you go pro, these are things that shape you and are worth living. Thanks to all of that, my passion for this sport is more alive than ever. And in the end, professional sports weren’t my path. Entrepreneurship was.”

Lessons Learned Approaching 40

Years later, looking back as I approach 40, I can draw a few conclusions that may help young players today:

1. If you’re young and want to push yourself—just do it! Take care of your body, your nutrition, and become friends with stretching and yoga.
2. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and above all, don’t let anyone else put pressure on you. As much as hockey is a business, it’s still a game—and should be treated as such. A child plays to have fun. It doesn’t matter what league you’ll be in.
3. Know your limits and where you can improve, but also recognize where you’re strong. If you’re good at something, you can become the best at it.
4. There’s no failure in having tried. Regret is never useful—in sports and in life.