Introduction:
Matt Hendricks is a former NHL player-turned-entrepreneur who has achieved success in both fields. His journey is an inspiring one that teaches us the importance of hard work, determination, and taking chances. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the untold story of Matt Hendricks, exploring his life as a hockey player, the challenges he faced, and his transition to entrepreneurship.
From the Rink to the Boardroom:
Matt Hendricks began his journey as an NHL player in 2008 when he was signed by the Colorado Avalanche. He then played for several other teams, including the Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets. During his time in the league, Hendricks became known for his gritty and tough playing style, earning him the nickname “The Wrecker.” However, after more than a decade of playing professional hockey, Hendricks decided to retire in 2019 to pursue a different career path.
The Birth of the Matt Hendricks Foundation:
Retiring from the NHL didn’t stop Hendricks from making a difference. In fact, he used his newfound free time to start the Matt Hendricks Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting local youth hockey programs and other charitable initiatives. “I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me,” he said in an interview with Forbes. “I believe that hockey can help kids develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills that will serve them for life.”
The Creation of “The Players’ Tribune” for the NHL:
In 2020, Hendricks teamed up with former NHL player John Scott and tech entrepreneur Justin Long to create a new platform for current and retired hockey players to share their stories with fans. The platform, called “The Hockey Writers Society,” allows players to write articles, post videos, and connect with fans in a more personal way. “We wanted to create a space where players could be themselves and share their experiences with fans,” Hendricks said. “I think it’s important for fans to see the human side of hockey players.”
Life as an Entrepreneur:
As an entrepreneur, Hendricks has put his experience as a professional athlete to good use. He’s learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. “Entrepreneurship is a lot like hockey,” he said in an interview with Forbes. “You have to be willing to put in the work, take risks, and make sacrifices to succeed.” Hendricks is now the CEO of his own company, Hendricks Holdings LLC, which invests in and operates businesses across various industries.
The Importance of Giving Back:
For Matt Hendricks, giving back to the community is more than just a responsibility – it’s a passion. Through his foundation and other charitable initiatives, he’s been able to make a positive impact on the lives of many young people. “It’s important for successful people to give back,” he said. “When you have the ability to make a difference, you should do everything you can to help others.”
FAQs:
Q: What was Matt Hendricks’ nickname during his hockey career?
A: “The Wrecker.”
Q: When did Matt Hendricks retire from the NHL?
A: Hendricks retired in 2019.
Q: What is the Matt Hendricks Foundation?
A: The Matt Hendricks Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports local youth hockey programs and other charitable initiatives.
Q: What is “The Hockey Writers Society”?
A: “The Hockey Writers Society” is a platform created by Matt Hendricks, John Scott, and Justin Long that allows current and retired hockey players to share their stories with fans.
Q: What is Hendricks Holdings LLC?
A: Hendricks Holdings LLC is a company founded by Matt Hendricks that invests in and operates businesses across various industries.
Q: Why does Matt Hendricks think it’s important to give back to the community?
A: Matt Hendricks believes that giving back is important because successful people have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Q: What has Matt Hendricks learned from his experience as a professional athlete?
A: Matt Hendricks has learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He believes that these qualities are essential for success both in hockey and in entrepreneurship.
Conclusion:
Matt Hendricks’ journey from NHL player to entrepreneur is an inspiration to us all. His dedication to hockey, his passion for giving back to the community, and his entrepreneurial spirit are just a few of the things that make him a true badass. Through his foundation and other charitable initiatives, Hendricks has made a positive impact on the lives of many young people, and his work with “The Hockey Writers Society” is helping to connect fans with their favorite players in a more personal way. As Hendricks himself would say, “Success isn’t about winning; it’s about the journey.”