Learning To Deal With Adversity: Life's Ultimate Teacher

I want to take a moment to share something that shaped me as an athlete and as a coach. I've seen this time and time again with players. I know someone out there needs to hear this, so let's end 2024 with a lesson that will power you through 2025.

When I was watching Joe Rogan share Tom Brady's perspective on failure, it struck a universal chord. Whether you're an NHL player, a business leader, a teacher, or a parent – adversity doesn't discriminate. It finds all of us.

The Universal Truth

Here's something I've learned from decades in hockey that applies far beyond the rink: Everyone faces adversity. No exceptions. From the fourth-line grinder to the CEO, from the WHL executive to an Alberta farmer – life will test you.

But here's the fascinating part: The people who worry me most in any field are those who've never really struggled early on. The naturally gifted ones who've sailed through life's early chapters. Because I promise you this – adversity will come. And when it hits late, it hits hard.

When The Wall Appears

I've seen it in hockey players hitting the NHL for the first time. I've seen it in successful executives facing their first major crisis. I've seen it in companies that have never weathered a downturn. The wall appears, and suddenly... everything's different. The game changes. The rules you've always relied on don't work anymore.

This is where Brady's wisdom becomes so powerful. As he puts it, it's not about the successes – it's about how you handle the moments that don't go your way.

Building The Resilience Muscle

What I've learned is this: Resilience isn't a talent – it's a skill. A muscle that needs training. When Brady talks about developing resilience within you, he's talking about actively building this capacity – not waiting for it to appear magically when you need it.

During my time with both the Predators and Stars, I've seen how the greats approach this. They don't just face adversity – they lean into it. They understand that each setback is strengthening that resilience muscle, preparing them for bigger challenges ahead.

The Path Forward

Whether you're a player, parent, professional, or pursuing any goal, here's what matters:

• Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth

• Focus on your response to setbacks, not the setbacks themselves

• Build a support system that helps you process difficult moments

• Remember that everyone – even the greats – faced their own battles

The Bottom Line

When Brady says, "Let's talk about the losses," he's speaking to something I've seen proven time and time again: Your response to adversity doesn't just shape your career or your skills – it shapes who you are as a person.

Because I can promise you this: Life will test you. The only question is: Will you be ready when it does?

As Brady puts it so well: "Things happen in life that you don't want to have happen... How do you deal with it? Do you deal with class and integrity and with courage and with resilience?"

That's the real test. That's where character is built. That's where greatness – not just in sports, but in life – is forged.

Mike

Latest College Commitments 🖊

• Koji Gibson (C) – Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Starting 2027-28

• Ryan Schelling (RW) – Dartmouth College Big Green, Langley Rivermen (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Grayden Siepmann (RD) – University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Pano Fimis (C) – University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Erie Otters (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Caeden Carlisle (LD) – University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Soo Greyhounds (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Jonathan Fauchon (C) – Providence College Friars, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), Starting 2025-26

• Oliver Tulk (C) – University of Wisconsin Badgers, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Brody Pepoy (RW) – Lindenwood University Lions, Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U (NPHL16), Starting 2026-27

• George Lovell (LW) – Arizona State University Sun Devils, Lovell Academy 18U (CT-T&C), Starting 2025-26

• Matt Lahey (LD) – Michigan State University Spartans, Fargo Force (USHL), Starting 2025-26

• John Frick (RD) – Lindenwood University Lions, Bishop Kearney Selects 16U (BTS16U), Starting 2027-28

• Peter Cisar (LW) – Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Fargo Force (USHL), Starting 2025-26

• Michael Mikan (F) – Harvard University Crimson, St. Thomas Academy HS Cadets (MN-HS), Starting 2026-27

• Keaton Dowhaniuk (RD) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Vladimir Provorov (F) – The Ohio State University Buckeyes, New Jersey Rockets 16U-P (NPHL16), Starting 2027-28

• Owen Van Steensel (LW) – Clarkson University Golden Knights, North Bay Battalion (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Evan Konyen (RW) – Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers, Flint Firebirds (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• William Camputaro (G) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks, St. Michael's Buzzers (OJHL), Starting 2027-28

• Michael Burchill (C) – Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Starting 2025-26

• Simon Binkley (C) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Ben Riche (C) – Quinnipiac University Bobcats, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Benjamin Saunderson (LD) – Quinnipiac University Bobcats, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Tyson Doucette (C) – Colgate University Raiders, Sarnia Sting (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Rasmus Svartstrom (RW) – St. Lawrence University Saints, Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Judah Makway (C) – University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves, Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Jhett Larson (C) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Scott Miner (LD) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks, Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Rafael Cloutier (LW) – Clarkson University Golden Knights, South Kent Selects Academy 18U (PHC), Starting 2026-27

• Nikita Volsky (G) – Lake Superior State Univ. Lakers, Corpus Christi IceRays (NAHL), Starting 2025-26

• Carter MacAdams (LW) – Northern Michigan University Wildcats, Tri-City Americans (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Kaslo Ferner (RW) – University of Vermont Catamounts, Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL), Starting 2025-26

• Andrew LeBlanc (C) – Princeton University Tigers, North Bay Battalion (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Jacob LeBlanc (RD) – Princeton University Tigers, North Bay Battalion (OHL), Starting 2025-26

• Connor Levis (C) – Bowling Green State University Falcons, Vancouver Giants (WHL), Starting 2025-26

• Saxton Tess (LW) – Bentley University Falcons, Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL), Starting 2025-26

• Trey Hinton (C) – U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons, Maryland Black Bears (NAHL), Starting 2026-27

• Ellis Mieyette (LW) – Lindenwood University Lions, Drumheller Dragons (AJHL), Starting 2026-27

• Luke Woodworth (C) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL), Starting 2025-26

From the frozen ponds of Minnesota to the backyard rinks of Saskatchewan, hockey has a way of making winter magical. As we wrap up 2024, I'm reminded of how this game brings people together – whether it's early morning practices, weekend tournaments, or gathering around the TV for World Juniors during the holidays.

To all the players, parents, and coaches: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

See you in 2025 for more hockey insights and stories.

Mike