Growing up, it was tough to balance, but looking back I appreciate my parents' efforts to make sure I was well-rounded.

The biggest challenge was the cost to play the sport, and this is a challenge that my parents faced. They relied on the community and friends and family for support, and I learned to play hockey using second hand equipment.

I instantly connected with the sport and I have fond memories of growing up on my skating rink that my dad made for us in our backyard.

Most kids start playing hockey at the age of five, I was an earlier bloomer. My parents laced up my first pair of skates and put me on the ice at the young age of 2 ½, basically right after I mastered walking.

Growing up, it was tough to balance, but looking back I appreciate my parents' efforts to make sure I was well-rounded.

I know Malcolm [Subban] and myself, we're a little bit older now, but we don't know everything. To get to where we have so far has been a great accomplishment but we're not even close to being satisfied. To be able to keep on getting better, progressing, and having success, you need help. What better place to get it than from your parents?

I'll stutter step, then drop the shoulder, a little pump, a little Kobe Game 7 fade-away, and the hooks coming too. And Malcolm [Subban] knows, he's got an inch on me but he can't defend that. He knows that.