“Absolutely. Crippling anxiety.”
That's how Florida Panthers star Aaron Ekblad describes the pressure of playing in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
He's reached the pinnacle of professional hockey, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers. But even champions experience fear, self-doubt and moments that test their confidence.
In this episode of Please Hold for Sunshine, award-winning journalist Sandra Viktorova sits down with Aaron for a candid conversation about navigating pressure, overcoming setbacks and learning that there's more to life than winning.
Aaron opens up about leaving home at just 15 to pursue his NHL dreams, recovering from a devastating injury, facing criticism and navigating the suspension he calls “by far the lowest point” of his career.
But some of his most valuable insights go far beyond hockey. Aaron shares how family, time outdoors, hobbies and keeping things in perspective help him manage the extraordinary demands of professional sports. He also reveals why he steps away from social media during the season and how preparation helps him face even his biggest fears.
It's an honest and often uplifting conversation about success, failure, finding balance and remembering that what we do doesn't define who we are.
In this episode:
- What Stanley Cup Game 7 pressure really feels like
- Overcoming fear, anxiety and self-doubt
- The suspension he calls the lowest point of his career
- Recovering from a devastating injury
- Why he stays away from social media during hockey season
- The surprising role family, hobbies and nature play in his life
- Finding purpose and balance beyond professional hockey
🎙️ Please Hold for Sunshine explores the moments that test us, transform us and help us discover new possibilities for happiness, purpose and growth.
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