Avs Story- Ben Guite
In this exclusive interview, Colorado Avalanche Cares was able to sit down with Avs Forward Ben Guite to discuss what advice he has for youth hockey players, how he made it to the NHL, and more!
Colorado Avalanche Cares: What sports did you play growing up?
Ben: “I played hockey, soccer, a little tennis and some football in high school.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: Who taught you how to skate?
Ben: “My father. The first time I stepped on the ice I was three or four years old.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: When did you start playing hockey exclusively?
Ben: “I was probably 16 years old when I decided to play hockey exclusively.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: What is your greatest memory of playing youth hockey?
Ben: “I just always enjoyed playing the game, which probably had a lot to do with my father coaching me until I was about twelve years old. He made it a lot of fun and made sure hockey was always a game. I think a lot of parents put too much pressure on their kids, but my dad made sure it was fun throughout.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: Describe the role your parents had in your youth hockey experiences. What impact did they have?
Ben: “My mom was always there with motivational books and ideas, while my dad was also there for support. He played hockey, so obviously he knew a lot about it. The most important thing was that they both made sure I was having fun.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: Who was the most influential person to your hockey career?
Ben: “Probably my coach at the University of Maine, Shawn Walsh. While I was at Maine, I was 18-to-22 years old and did a lot of growing up during my time there. He taught us how to become men and to be accountable for our mistakes. He was such a competitor and a great teacher.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: Where was or is your favorite place to play hockey?
Ben: “It’s always fun playing in Canada. During college, I didn’t get to play there for four years. Whether it was in the American League in Hamilton or the Maritime provinces – or in the NHL against Calgary, Vancouver or Edmonton – I just always seem to have my legs underneath me and seem to be more into the game when I play in Canada.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: What advice do you have for parents of youth hockey players?
Ben: “I would give them the same advice that my parents followed. If your kid is going to make it, he’s going to make it no matter what as long as he thinks the game is fun. You see a lot of kids who are super talented, but there’s just so much pressure on the home front that they lose interest. When push comes to shove and it becomes time to compete for positions, they lose interest and don’t have the drive to do it. When it’s fun, they just do it for themselves.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: How do you handle adversity?
Ben: “Just keep on working hard and stick in there.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: When did you first believe you might play in the NHL?
Ben: “Last year. Up until that point I had played seven years in the minors. You get to that point and think, “Is this as far as it’s going to go?” Then Colorado came knocking and gave me an opportunity. I kind of fit in their scheme and it happened for me.”
Colorado Avalanche Cares: What advice would you give youth hockey players?
Ben: “Just work hard and have fun, because it’s just a game. Listen to your coaches and listen to your parents. Listen to people who have been around and have seen a lot more than you.”
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Written by ColoradoAvalancheCares · Filed Under Player Stories
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