This week I have the pleasure of talking to 11 year NHL veteran Jarkko Ruutu. Jarkko played with the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks over his NHL career.
I really enjoyed Jarkko's story as he was a terrific example of how work ethic and perseverance can create a successful athletic career. He was not the top guy in Finland growing up, he was not a top NHL draft pick, he didn't play for the National teams, yet still played over a decade in the top hockey league in the world.
One thing I loved very early in this interview was Jarkko's perspective on minor hockey. Most kids out there are always striving to play the top level. While it is a good thing to push yourself, Jarkko breaks down really compelling reasons why it is often better long term for athletes to play down a level or two for a period of time. You will get more ice time, it will allow you to develop more as a player and give you better experience. So if you are not at the level you want to be right now, don't mope, don't be upset, consider it an opportunity to work on your game. This is also a great opportunity to show coaches you are a guy they want in the locker room. Bring good energy, work with the guys around you and make the team better. If you do all these things, you are setting yourself up to move into the next level whenever the day comes that you are ready to do so.
Another really important point from our talk was Jarkko's view on athletes going into their first professional training camps. It is easy to get caught up in what the coaches are thinking, how many guys you think are ahead of you, whatever else might be going on... Instead of spending your energy on these things that you will never have an impact on, put it aside and focus on what you can impact. Your preparation and your energy. That is all. Prepare well, train hard, and be the guy that everyone wants in the room.
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of The Elite Development Podcast! To get in touch with Jarkko, connect with him on LinkedIn: @Jarkko Ruutu
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