How We Did It Format: Trade Paper

The ultimate hockey dad, Karl Subban is a former school principal and father of five, including three sons--P.K., Malcolm and Jordan--who have been drafted to the NHL. Karl's inspirational story follows the hockey journey from house league to the big leagues and shows how to grow the unlimited potential that is in every child.


     In his thirty-plus years of coaching, teaching and parenting, Karl Subban has proved to be a leader with the gift of inspiring others. He has dedicated his life to helping young people grow their potential--to be better at what they do, and to be better people.
    Originally from Jamaica, Karl Subban, along with his wife, Maria, have raised five accomplished children. Their oldest son is P.K. Subban, who won the Norris Trophy for top defenceman in the NHL and whose trade from the Canadiens to the Nashville Predators shocked the hockey world. Their two daughters are teachers, one a university basketball star and the other a talented visual artist. Their two youngest children, goaltender Malcolm and defenceman Jordan, are also rising through the professional ranks, drafted and signed by NHL teams--the three sons adding up to what Karl calls "the Subban hat trick."
    Now, from the backyard hockey rink to the nail-biting suspense of draft days, Karl Subban shares tales of his family's unique hockey journey. Mixing personal stories with lessons he learned as a coach and principal--lessons about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment--How We Did It will allow other parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to apply the same principles as they help the young people in their lives to identify, develop and live their dreams.

KARL SUBBAN is a retired school teacher and administrator of 30 years with the Toronto District School Board. He has worked with Canadian Tire on a project that teaches families about the important benefits of their children participating in hockey and served as an ambassador for Hyundai Hockey Helpers Program. When Karl is not delivering empowering speeches on how to find one's potential, he spends time teaching his grandchildren how to skate. SCOTT COLBY is the Opinions editor at the Toronto Starand a freelance writer.