It's one of those things, like in sports and other situations in life, you're going to have some adversities and some challenges that are similar to the race. You go uphill one moment and then you go downhill, but that's life too. You've got to be willing to sometimes take it slow but keep going.
I have so many people that I should be thanking, obviously starting with my parents. They did such a great job of raising me and so much was sacrificed for me to play hockey.
When it comes down to the game, I focus on the game.
We have to take better care of each other and respect each other. Equality must be a priority. Anything less is unacceptable.
Hopefully I won't have to sleep with my feet out of the tent.
I will never know what it's like to walk down a street and feel unsafe. No one should have to experience that feeling.
I've been a really big fan of climbing. I really got into it when I watched the show 'Beyond the Limit' about climbing Mount Everest.
Sure, I've dealt with my own share of adversity as an outsider living in this country but I recognize my challenges were not made harder, or impossible, because of the color of my skin.
Every article starts that way: Zdeno Chara, six-foot-nine, big strong defenceman. I'm like, Oh my God, does every player get their weight and height listed before they write something about him? No.
I felt as you get older, you're trying to find ways to improve your well-being, functioning, and energy level.
First thing is first and let me be clear: I stand with the Black community. Black Lives Matter. There is no room in this world for racism. Period.
To miss games, I just don't think it's for me personally. I don't like it. The other guys might like it, but I like to play. I like to play games.
How can you expect something out of a young player on the ice when you treat him differently off the ice? I believe in certain acts or behaviors, and it's a standard for me that we're not going to be using anything against anyone.
Ideally, you want to have some guys get that rest... Because after 70-something games, you've practiced enough.
I love competing. I love doing all these things, coming to the rink, talking to the guys, doing the routine, working out in the summer, going through that grind.
Playing the whole season and going through the whole playoffs in 2011 was the hardest 10-month period.
I remember climbing Mont Ventoux at the end of the day, and it was so, so hard. You have already three, four hours in your legs of cycling, and then you have to climb probably the hardest mountain on the course. And then you have to ride back to your car and pack up your stuff.
For sure it takes longer for bigger guys or tall guys to be really agile. Growing up, my dad and a few coaches always said that's the first and main priority for me, agility and quick feet, before getting strong.
I just enjoy every day, being with my teammates, going out to perform. I just love competing and I have an extreme passion for the sport.
To be honest with you, I try not to get caught up in the stats.
