In late October 2008 New York Ranger Goalie, Steve Valiquette, visited Manhattanville College to talk about his achievements in life and career.  About 50 students turned out and were fortunate enough to listen to Steve share his experiences on and off the ice, from growing up and working with his father as an electrician to finally figuring out what it took to be an NHL goalie in the minor leagues in his late twenties.  During his visit Steve helped raise $400 to the Travis Roy Foundation during an autograph session with the students.  Lawline.com has graciously matched the $400 raised during Steve’s visit that will benefit a paralyzed United States War Veteran.

The students listened and interacted with questions to Steve ranging from his taste of music to his future goals after his hockey days were over.  The one thing everyone learned during the event was Steve has set out to not only share his talents to fans as one of the premier back up goalies in the NHL, but Steve is dedicated to helping and educating others reach their goals.

As is true with Lawline.com, Steve wants more than anything else to use the platform he has as a professional athlete to educate others.  Steve talks to both young and old that they can achieve their dreams as long as they strive for it.  “For the past 5 years my biggest motivation in hockey and life is knowing the better I do on and off the ice the bigger my platform to help other grows,” said Steve.

Spending nine seasons in the minors and floating from the OHL, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and one year of professional hockey in Russia, Steve never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to be, in one way or another, a mainstay in the NHL. 

Finally after that one year of professional hockey in Russia, Steve was signed by the New York Rangers as the back up to Henrik Lundqvist.  The 2007-2008 season would be Steve's first full year in the NHL.  At the age of 30 Steve made it to the big show.

What Steve stressed most during his talk to the students is having a positive mental attitude while pursuing your goals.  He credited his sports psychologist with helping him with this focus that allowed him to get to where he is today.  After his career, Steve plans to pursue a career in sports psychology to give young athletes the opportunity he was given to get to where he is.

Manhattanville College Student Government, My Soldier, and Lawline.com cannot thank him enough for his time and dedication to both the students and charity. 

Feel free to visit SteveValiquette.com to learn more about him and his endeavors.  We wish him and the New York Rangers the best of luck!