The Jack Skille Podcast

On this week's show John Mitchell discusses his NHL career, plus the difficulties of deciding when and how to move on.

The Jack Skille Show is produced by HMMR Media, a leader in helping athletes and coaches learn how to get better. Become a member to get access to a wealth of articles, videos, podcasts and more training resources. The show focuses on exploring the process behind sport with professional hockey player Jack Skille and key people he has met throughout his career. Season 2 on transitions and post-career identity.

Highlights from this episode:

• 0:00 - Introduction
  
• 2:00 - Starting in hockey and developing a passion.
  
• 5:30 - Getting drafted.
  
• 9:30 - Making the pros and expectations vs. reality.
  
• 14:30 - Identity shift and role change: "Every player that makes the NHL was one of the top players on the team when they were growing up. The pro game is different."
  
• 25:00 - Dealing with the ebbs and flows of the game: "If you identify solely as a hockey player, you're riding a roller coaster and it's hard to be a normal person. The best pros can stay calm and take things as they come. They have a life outside the game."
  
• 29:00 - Transitioning out of the game: "No athlete is entirely happy when they retire from a sport they love and have played since a kid."
  
• 34:00 - Transitioning to European hockey.
  
• 39:15 - Starting retirement.
  
• 44:00 - Finding purpose.
  
• 49:00 - Getting through it: "I want people to hear that you're going to be ok. It's a transition period. It's going to suck. There are challenges, but those challenges are good."
  
• 52:00 - Where to start: "Start with service. Find a way to serve in something you are passionate about. Maybe you aren't even paid, but you'll find people that can point you in the right direction."