The NHL season is now in full swing and Vancouverites and devoted Canuck fans are growing close to the team. We congratulate and talk positively of those players performing well, we complain of those veteran players who are not and we get to know the young stars that are just starting on their professional career. Hockey season is here and devoted fans follow the team in every aspect of the game; stats, playing time, goals/assists/points, standings and much more. Commentators, talk show host and fans talk about the game, sometimes as if they have the knowledge to be the coach of the team. If the team does not do well, we complain about the management and coaching staff, the goalie or star player, believing that we know the best solution.

Canuck fans did not know what to expect this season and well, they still don’t. The summer was filled with trades, new management and a significantly brand new team. The team consists of many young, fast, and dedicated players, most of them unknown to any other NHL team. Fans would ask each other who that #42 or #10 is again.

Being a sport enthusiast and a Canuck fan, I enjoy reading and hearing the stories about the team, especially the stories of that ‘underdog’ player, the hardships and adversity that a team or player has to make, always hoping that it will result in a happy ending.

This season, a young player of the Canucks has overcome adversity and hardship. His previous team criticized him for being unfit, constantly injured, not being ‘hockey ready’ and needed more time and devotion to his play and fitness level.

He had a great pre-season with the Canucks but at the end of the day he was sent down to the minors to keep improving. This kid is living out of a suitcase never knowing if he will be sent to another professional team, another minor team or playing for a European hockey team. Every practice and every game he constantly has to prove to his coaches, teammates and himself that he belongs in the NHL. He is a player who has the work ethic and will do what ever it takes to stay.

This player fortunately got a lucky break a couple of weeks ago when the Canucks were short of players due to injuries. Obviously, this player has been on a mental and physically roller coaster… Is he good enough to stay in the NHL? Does he have what it takes? Is he physically ready?

Since being asked up from the minors he has proved himself that he belongs here. He has scored 4 goals and 1 assist in 7 games; he is a member of the power play, and is playing with the top line. Yes, he is still proving himself day in a day out but will he stay when the injured players are ready to play again?

Kyle Wellwood is an inspiration to all young hockey players who are trying to make it. He has worked hard, done what has been asked of him, and is still uncertain if has a secure spot on the team. He has proved to the fans that he can score goals, is a smart player and is physically ready for the NHL.

Wellwood is a prime example of perseverance, hard work, and dedication for the love of a game and is why he is still here working away, waiting for his big break. Even if you are not a hockey fan, you can still use this work ethic in any aspect of your life; sport, relationships or business. The reason why most young successful people do well is because of their work ethic, their drive and their passion to succeed.
“Work Hard, Get Rewarded”