We catch up with Bret Hedican, two time USA Hockey Olympian and Stanley Cup winner, currently part of the San Jose Sharks television broadcast team. 

He tells of his beginnings in sports as an undersized kid but very competitive athlete. Worked harder than all the other kids when he was growing up. Played football, hockey, and baseball. Loved all the sports he played. When he got to high school he played soccer for two seasons and then went back to football because he finally grew to compete with the other kids. Bret says one of the big things that helped him was he played all different sports and it helped with his mental side of things and the physical side for muscle growth. 

When he was ten years old the 1980 Olympics happened in hockey and he was determined to be an Olympic hockey player. He didn't know how he was going to do it but he set a goal and vision to make it happen. Things came together for him in his senior year of high school. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 10th round of the draft and was headed to St. Cloud State to play hockey. He did not receive a full scholarship but he took it knowing that it was the right path for him. 

The transition to college from high school was a huge step up and he was in and out of the line up in his freshman season. He thought he may be cut from the team at the end of his freshman year. He came back his sophomore year and switched from a forward to defensemen and things clicked better. All the hard work paid off. Bret said he had to learn what it took to be a college athlete and student. 

It is a great listen to hear how sometimes hard work pays off when you put in the time. 

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