From Getting Cut at 16 to the NHL: JF Berube on Resilience, Confidence, and Never Giving Up

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What would you do if you got cut from your hockey team at 16 and had nowhere to play?

In this episode of The Goalie Mindset Podcast, Pete Fry sits down with former NHL goaltender JF Berube, who shares his journey from getting cut in minor hockey to eventually making it to the NHL.

JF's path wasn't easy. After being released from his Midget AAA team, he found himself without a place to play because other teams had already finalized their rosters. Instead of giving up, he spent the next year training, working on his game, and preparing for another opportunity.

When an open tryout came around, he paid $50, showed up with his gear, and earned a spot in major junior hockey. Not long after, he was drafted into the NHL.

Pete and JF discuss:

• How getting cut at 16 became a turning point in his career
• Why focusing on what you can control matters more than worrying about the past
• How to keep believing in yourself when opportunities aren't coming
• What he learned from playing behind Jake Allen in junior hockey
• Why healthy competition between goalie partners can make both goalies better
• How to adjust your mindset and game when moving up to higher levels
• The importance of preparation, positive self-talk, and staying in the moment
• Why learning to disconnect from hockey is just as important as working hard

JF also talks about his first NHL game at the United Center in Chicago. With the crowd roaring during the national anthem, he took in the moment before reminding himself that, once the puck dropped, it was just another hockey game.

One of the biggest lessons from his story is that getting cut doesn't mean your career is over. Sometimes the opportunity you need comes later than expected. What matters is how you use the time in between.

JF now works with young goaltenders as a goalie coach, sharing the lessons he learned throughout his career and helping them develop both their physical and mental game.

🎧 If you're a goalie who's ever been cut, overlooked, or unsure about your next step, this episode is a great reminder to keep working, stay positive, and focus on what's ahead.

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