The NHL draft is what most hockey player’s dream of when they are on the ice and off. Ian Larocque, who grew up in Kingston, Canada, was just like every other boy who played hockey, he dreamed of one day becoming a professional. But Ian Larocque did more than just dream, he pursued his goal with gusto.

He started by practicing every day; going out with his buddies and playing on the pond in the back neighborhood, or going to the nearest ice rink until his mother had to drag him off by his skates. It took hard work and determination to get to where he wanted to be, and Ian Larocque met the challenge at every turn.

Ian Larocque got into Northern Michigan University in 1996 and played college hockey for two year before he was drafted to the NHL. But what was important during those years was working hard and being a team leader. That is what Ian Larocque believes got him to the top. He worked day in and day out training his body for hard, long games. He fueled himself with good food, which gave him the energy to work at the gym every day to become stronger.

But most importantly, his success came from being on the ice, practicing his starts and stops, along with increasing his speed. Ian Larocque really enjoyed scoring goals, but he knew that if he couldn’t beat his opponent at skating, there was no chance that he could score a goal. Another thing that made Ian Larocque prosper in his hockey career was listening. He was very respectful to his coaches on and off the ice and took what they had to say seriously. When they told Ian Larocque he needed to work on something, he made sure that by the next practice it was done perfectly, even if it took him extra time on the ice.

From college to becoming a professional, hard work and determination are what helped Ian Larocque get to the top of the hockey charts. He believes anyone can achieve their dream if they try.