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.

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.

I mean at the end of the day, we are still brothers [with Malcolm Subban]. But I'm also getting paid to score goals so he better watch that glove side, because I like to go glove side. I know he thinks he's got a hot glove but I'm going to have to try and expose it.

I got the experience, I got the strength, I got the talent, I got the famous jump hook. That's my move.

Playing in the NHL, it's a great job, it's a great life to live, and we just want to have the opportunity to do that. That's going to come from our hard work and dedication to the sport. As far as being black players in the league, obviously it's great.

I can't wait for the crowd, the noise, the energy in the building. I can't wait to take that all away from them.

Hockey is an amazing sport and it has definitely had a positive impact on my life. But my dad always said school comes first, and if I didn't do well in school I didn't get to play hockey.