We all dream of scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal as kids, but as we get older and start watching and playing hockey more, we realize that there are more ways to contribute to a win than just scoring a goal.
Most goals start with a good pass or two or a well executed breakout, so passing and making smart players are two other ways of contributing.
Playing well in the defensive end is also important, maybe even more important than scoring, and specifically doing whatever it takes to prevent a goal, whether you're a goalie, a forward, or a defenseman.
Former OHL player Tyler Carroll knows that fact first hand, and on this snowy #TBT in Toronto, we wanted to throw it back to the game in which Carroll, a member of the Guelph Storm at the time, put his body on the line on the penalty kill against Kitchener not once, not twice, but three times, and without a stick while clearly in pain after the first blocked shot.
That was a very important point in the game as Guelph was clinging to a 1-0 lead, and while they eventually would give up the game-tying goal twice, they won the game in overtime, 3-2 the final.
Carroll got a standing ovation from the Kitchener crowd for his incredible effort, and he actually scored the second goal of the game for the Storm.
Every team wants someone like Carroll on their side, a player who is willing to give up his body to prevent a goal, and while we all want to score that game-winning goal growing up, making a game-winning block would feel just as sweet.
(H/T: saucelife)