Gridiron: Drew Shore - Lessons Learned in 9-Year NHL Career | E38

Which skills allowed Drew Shore to become an NHL Pro?

In episode 38, Drew sits down with co-host Ryan Harris and Bennie Fowler to share key moments of his playing career, including struggles with coaches, the intense physicality of playoff hockey, and the challenges of balancing athletics with fatherhood. The conversation explores the mental side of professional sports, the difficult transition to life after retirement, and lessons that apply both on and off the ice. Drew's honest reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional hockey and the challenges athletes face in their careers and beyond.

[00:00 - 08:15] A Hockey Player's Journey

• Hockey taught Drew invaluable lessons about work ethic and mindset
• Leaving home at 13 to pursue hockey dreams required quick maturity
• The struggle to balance high expectations with reality as a pro athlete

[08:16 - 11:28] The Mental Game: Coaches, Mindset, and Team Dynamics

• Making your coach like you is crucial, even if you disagree with them
• A combative personality with coaches affected Drew's career progression
• Embracing your role on the team is key to have a long career in professional sports

[11:29 - 18:12] Inside the NHL: Playoff Intensity and On-Ice Communication

• Playoff hockey creates an "all-out war" mentality 
• Coaches use strategic "chess moves" when deciding line changes
• The home team advantage in hockey includes getting the last line change

[18:13 - 22:33] The Physicality of Hockey: Fights Consequences

• Drew recounts asking an opponent to fight, resulting in a brutal loss
• Every team used to have multiple "heavyweight" enforcers
• Losing a fight on ice 

[22:34 - 25:47] Transitioning to Life After Hockey: The Agency World

• Drew's motivation to become an agent stems
• The "grass isn't always greener" mentality is crucial for young athletes
• Being a good teammate can extend a player's career

[25:48 - 33:31] The Challenges of Retirement: Identity and Purpose

• Athletes struggle to replicate the "euphoric high" of professional sports
• Transitioning from a team environment to individual pursuits is difficult
• Balancing fatherhood with an athletic career

[33:32 - 35:12] The Role of Fear in Athletics and Life

• Fear can be a powerful motivator
• Transitioning careers brings new fears about identity and purpose
• Learning to handle fear productively is essential for success in any field

Key Quotes:

"Make your coach like you.” - Drew Shore

“Fear can be used in multiple ways.” - Drew Shore

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Instagram: @benniefowler1
X: @BennieFowler123

Reach out to Ryan Harris!
Instagram: @ryanharris_68
X: @ryanharris_68

Connect with Drew Shore!
Instagram: @_drewshore
X: @drew22shore

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