My dad was so influential in my career. It was a fulfillment of every athlete's dream. I dreamed about it as a kid. We played hockey in the backyard. We had silver buckets we carried around like the Stanley Cup. It was everything that you would hope.
Matt CullenMy mom was very spiritual. We were a Catholic family. We read the Bible at a young age. I have two brothers and a sister. We're all very close. That was part of our childhood. But when I went to college and then got drafted and played in Anaheim, it was a life changer for me. I was exposed to so many things. I was out on my own for the first time.
Matt CullenCourageous people are not afraid to fail. So often in life and in sports, we're afraid to fail. Instead, we should attack things with excitement and enthusiasm and think about the positives as opposed to the negatives.
Matt CullenOf course, Jesus was the most courageous man who ever lived. He prayed and asked God to take the cup from Him before He went to the cross, but He still went because He knew that's what He was supposed to do.
Matt CullenEveryone is going to be afraid sometimes. Then you ask yourself, "What am I really afraid of?" Then you can address it, because there's nothing to be afraid of. It helps a lot when you just face it and put it in perspective. It gives you that courage to fight through it. As an athlete, you can't be afraid to make a mistake.
Matt Cullen