The handshake.
Every spring for as long as anyone can remember, this brief moment defines the sport of hockey. A moment that captivates all who are watching. A moment bigger than the game itself.
No rules mandate it. No one quite knows when or why it started. Nonetheless, it’s become a cherished custom and the exemplary model of sportsmanship in professional sports.
We can all learn from this moment.
Respect your opponent, for without them there is no game to play. Appreciate them, because the better they are, the better you become. The greater the challenge, the more glory in overcoming it.
A great opponent is the best friend of progress. Thank them.
This isn’t just true in sports but also in life. When challenged, be thankful. When criticized, be open to it. When held accountable, take ownership of it. Become a better version of yourself in these moments.
We won’t all get to shake hands at the end of the Stanley Cup Finals, but we all have these moments every day. Opponents that challenge us, that criticize us, that hold us accountable. Let’s see these moments as opportunities to grow and give a metaphorical shake to those who make us better.
Lord Stanley would be proud.