Inside the Game, Denis Potvin, New York Islanders, HHOF member, Four time Stanley Cup winner, Segment One of Four

We catch up with four time Stanley Cup Champion, Hockey Hall of Famer, and Captain of the New York Islanders. 

Denis takes us back to his beginnings is Canada a young man and the fun he had growing up with his brother Jean and playing hockey and other sports. 

As 12 years of age he was asked to play on a travel all star team in Ottawa made up the best 12 year old's in the area. It was the start of his hockey journey. At 14 years of age he made the transition to the Ottawa 67's. Was a jump at 14 years old but he was bigger than most kids. He received great coaching with the 67's, which really was important in his development as a young man and hockey player. One thing he was not when he played in juniors was a "dreamer", he never dreamed of playing in the NHL. He was more about being a good hockey player and winning. Winning was very important to him. Success is what he wanted in his game. His coach Bill Long was old school and great mentor. In his last year of junior which was his 5th year. Leo Bovine entered his life. He was great influence on teaching Denis, patience on the ice and how to execute a "hip check". One thing Leo taught him "there is no out of bounds in hockey due the boards, Denis said he will find you at some point"

Denis finishes the first segment with being drafted by the New York Islanders and learning the responsibilities of what it takes to play in the NHL. Ed Westfall was huge help to him and the other young players on the Islanders. He also talks about Al Arbour and how he got the team to play defense and how the beginnings of the Islanders success. 

Enjoy listening to Denis here on flexxCOACH's "Inside the Game".