A heartfelt and unexpected moment, Craig Berube, the respected head coach of the St. Louis Blues, took a unique approach to connect with fans and aspiring players alike. Early this morning, Berube, known for his intense presence on the bench, knelt on the ice at the Enterprise Center and shared an impassioned confession about the values, work ethic, and mindset that have fueled his success.
Since taking over as head coach in 2018, Berube’s career with the Blues has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming a struggling team into Stanley Cup champions within months of his arrival. In a rare moment of openness, Berube explained how his playing career, a stint marked by grit and perseverance as an enforcer, shaped his approach to coaching.
A Gritty Foundation
Berube emphasized that his journey in the NHL taught him the importance of mental resilience. “I wasn’t the most talented player,” Berube confessed, his voice echoing in the quiet arena. “I had to earn every minute I spent on the ice.” This tenacity, he revealed, formed the foundation of his coaching philosophy. “I ask my players to work harder, to dig deeper, because I know it’s possible. Hard work has always been my driving force.”
In his candid address, Berube recounted stories from his playing days. Starting with his days as an enforcer, he explained how his time on the ice made him appreciate roles that don’t necessarily show up on the score sheet. His coaching style, he revealed, is rooted in recognizing and cultivating every player’s unique contributions, from the highest-scoring forward to the fourth-line grinder.
Building a Championship Team
When asked how he led the Blues from last place to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019, Berube spoke about the turning point that season: “We had to become a team, not just players wearing the same jersey.” He described a meeting early in that season where he brought the team together and spoke about trust and accountability. “We decided to fight for each other, not just ourselves,” he said, adding that the journey was “as much about mindset as it was about skill.”
Berube’s strategy goes beyond X’s and O’s; it’s about unifying his roster under a shared mission. He highlighted how fostering an environment where players feel valued and supported helps to build a winning culture. He openly acknowledged that his blunt, straightforward communication style has sometimes been a challenge for players initially, but it ultimately creates a space where players know exactly what is expected of them.
Embracing the Role of Underdog
The NHL is a league where teams face grueling schedules, intense physical battles, and, sometimes, the odds stacked against them. Berube’s career has been one marked by the underdog mentality, and he embraces that identity with pride. “I’ve never been the favorite, and neither have the Blues, but I think that makes us fight harder,” he shared. He noted that the team’s championship journey was a testament to the power of resilience and belief, both qualities he aims to instill in his players every season.
A Lesson in Leadership
Berube also confessed that his coaching success has not come without mistakes. “I’ve made calls I regret, and I’ve pushed too hard at times,” he admitted. “But I always lead with my heart, and I never ask a player to do something I wouldn’t have done myself.” His candid acknowledgment of his shortcomings adds depth to his coaching identity, underscoring that leadership is a process of constant growth
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