Dream Big

Dream Big.

This has been a lifelong mantra of likely the most influential hockey leader in North America - Allan Andrews, founder of Andrews Hockey Growth.

Earlier this week, I got to interview Allan. He has been one of the biggest mentors in my youth and now in my professional life and has frequently reached out to find out how I’m doing and what my next goal is. He is a friend first, educator second, and hockey coach third.

Over the past four decades, Allan has created the most extensive and analytical hockey school in the world. In combining hockey skills with life skills, their program generates high functioning citizens who are empowered to do much more than playing the sport they love. The programming focuses on personal growth and providing youth with the guidance and motivation to excel at whatever they put their mind to.

I have been lucky enough to know Allan since I was five years old. He had coached my dad in the mid-1970s and had always kept a close relationship with him, so when it was time for me to start playing hockey, he had an immediate interest. This transpired into several hockey camps per summer, playing spring hockey with the PEI Riptide, and a friendship that I continue to cherish.

Anyone who knows Allan will understand his sincerity towards all of the students that come through his doors, and the constant selflessness he portrays while motivating others to be great. He understands that every child has potential and that sometimes it takes a different perspective to realize where it lies. It is no wonder his business model has lasted for more than forty years; he focuses on people over everything.

There’s no question that Allan and his hockey school is an industry leader, and the most evident reason for this is their culture of continuous learning and adapting. Always be willing to change your ways even though you may be comfortable with how you are currently operating. Education is a lifelong process, and businesses must reflect this. Andrews Hockey Growth understands this best.

Many life lessons Allan and his staff have ingrained in me from a young age have stuck, and I contribute many of these directly to any success I experience. I’m sure if you were to ask some of the many high profile graduates of the hockey school would tell you the same thing. Individuals such as Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and the long list of others who have played at the highest level of hockey. Although these stars have made significant contributions to the sport, the ones Allan remembers most are those who continue to strive for greatness, even if they don’t make it in hockey. The ones that go on to be doctors, business owners, and overall good people.

While there are many lessons that Allan’s students are taught, these are the ones that resonate most with me.

Dream Big

The title of this article, the wording on Allan’s license plate, and the main message you hear at his hockey camp. On the road to success, you have to start with a dream. Many students at Allan’s school begin with the idea of playing in the NHL, but he makes it immediately clear that everyone should have a vision for life after hockey. Upon conceiving your dream, you can then craft achievable goals in place to measure your progress or re-evaluate along the way. Dreaming big and setting goals is vitally important for any aspect of life, whether that be a hockey player or a contributor to the community. 

Surround Yourself With Smart People

Where you will be in the next five, ten, or even twenty years will depend on the people you are always in contact with. By surrounding yourself with smart and innovative people, you set yourself up on a path to success, a way where you can find answers to life’s hardest questions from those who know you best. If you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does - it will provide immense value. 

Read Frequently

Another significant factor of where you will end up down the road is the books you read—these shape our opinions, ideologies, and goals. Reading frequently and continually learning new things will translate across all matters of life. I often joke with Allan that he is a part-time librarian due to his vast collection of books. The first memory I have of hockey camp is seeing hundreds of books in his offices. You must read as often as possible and always be willing to adapt your thoughts based on evidence. Continuous learning is key to a bright future.

Be Nice to Others

At the end of the day, whether you play in the NHL or work for minimum wage, we are all human - so be kind to each other. Allan has always promoted the saying, “it doesn’t cost much to be a nice person,” and this is taught from day one at Andrews Hockey School. Create decent people first, and focus on hockey after, whether through teaching proper manners, etiquette, or the value that simple words of encouragement can offer. 

Ask anyone who has dawned the doors of Allan Andrews’ operation, and they will all tell you how he has played a part in their success. His constant motivating words, his desire to ensure everyone excels, and his genuine authenticity that he shows each one of his students has enabled Andrews Hockey Growth to become a world-renown organization.

So I want to thank Allan for his contributions to hockey, to PEI, and, most importantly, to instilling these lessons, which have allowed many others like me to become well-rounded and successful individuals. 

Cheers to you, Hockey Prof!

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Earlier this week, I interviewed Allan on my podcast, The Exchange. Here is a link to what was said: