Like many Canadian boys watching Hockey Night in Canada, I was mesmerized by this exciting game, beloved in our country. I dreamed of being an NHL player. I started playing at age seven with a once-a-week clinic, doing drills and skating.

Then I joined house league and began the climb through minor hockey in Toronto. As a 17-year-old, I was deemed too small and not good enough and was bypassed by the Ontario Hockey League in the junior draft. Fortunately, I was invited to camp with the Niagara Falls Flyers as an extra, sure to be cut. However, that summer I followed the off-season training program to a “T” and, to the surprise of many, made the team. The famous junior coach, Bert Templeton, had recognized my work ethic and commitment.

My dream became more of a reality when I was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1980. I eventually made the NHL and went on to play over 1,000 games in 16 seasons. I was thrilled to eventually wear the Toronto Maple Leafs blue and white — the team I idolized as a kid while attending games at Maple Leaf Gardens with my dad.

While I had to work hard physically and mentally to make it and earn my place in the game, my inner spiritual development was different. As a teenager, I realized that having a relationship with God was not something to be earned but a gift to be received. When I was 14, I received the free gift of salvation by inviting Jesus to come into my heart and forgive my sins.

A Bible passage that has helped me along the way says:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

While I played, I was encouraged and strengthened in my relationship with the Lord by Hockey Ministries International staff and chapel leaders.