Michael Russo of the Athletic is a four-time Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and in 2017 was named the inaugural Red Fisher Award winner as best beat writer in the NHL, but very few know about the journey of his career. From 15 years old, he started at the Sun Sentinel, covered the Florida Panthers at 21, made the move to Minnesota with the Star Tribune and now has found a home with the Athletic.

Michael gives us a peak behind the curtain on growing up, the sacrifices made, the mentors along the way and the closest a player or coach has been to beating him up. Follow him on Twitter @RussoHockey.