2. A Personal Message From Bobby Hull

Hi, Pal!

Today thousands of boys are playing hockey. And you can bet that not one of these boys has to be coaxed to play, for hockey is an exciting and challenging game. It is so exciting that it can pull boys out of bed early on cold, frosty mornings, lead them to a wind-whipped, ice-covered rink, and keep them on the ice for hours at a time.

Not many years ago I was one of these boys. From the first time I donned skates at the age of four, I spent every spare minute playing hockey. Even now after nearly six years as a professional hockey player I still find the game exciting. And you will, too, if you have the desire and the determination to learn to play hockey as it should be played.

Desire and determination are of prime importance in becoming a good hockey player. Often you can overcome a lack of ability with sheer determination. During my career I encountered many hardships, but, because I was determined to play professional hockey, I overcame these obstacles and finally reached my goal.

Along with desire and determination, you must have a willingness to work if you are to succeed in hockey. You must work to get yourself in shape physically, for conditioning is 75 to 80 per cent of hockey. Hockey is a strenuous game and you must live well to play well.

You must also work to improve your hockey skills. To do this, start playing the game as early as possible and as often as possible. In Canada, where I grew up, boys as young as four years old receive skates as Christmas or birthday gifts. And they have hockey sticks in their hands shortly thereafter.

I received my first pair of skates in this way. And I began learning to use them under the guidance of two older sisters and my father, who in his prime was considered one of the best amateur hockey players. Because of my family's love for hockey, and the nearby natural ice facilities, I soon came to love the game enough to want to become a professional player.

At the age of eighteen I gave up a scholarship to attend a university in order to enter professional hockey. As fortunate as I have been in hockey, I still occasionally look back and regret that I did not receive more education.

This is a regret you need never have, for any boy who has enough desire and determination can receive a good education and play hockey at the same time. Today education is very necessary for a happy, secure life. If you become a hockey player, and if an accident or other unforeseen event should suddenly end your career, you will soon realize how important education is.

Hockey has been an important and exciting part of my life. And it can be just as important and exciting for you-if you prepare yourself physically and mentally. I sincerely hope you will.

Now let's hit the ice and get to work!

Your friend,

BOBBY HULL