In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, former NHL veteran Brad May joins Dwayne for candid conversation about leadership, grit, and longevity — on and off the ice.

Brad reflects on his 19-year NHL career, what separated players who made it from those who didn’t, and why mental fortitude mattered more than raw talent. From locker room lessons and team dynamics to integrity in business and life, Brad shares the foundational principles that shaped his journey: set achievable goals, outwork the competition, do the right thing — even when no one is watching.

He speaks openly about fear, discipline, evolving training methods, investing in himself, and the power of speaking goals into existence. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or chasing a dream, this conversation is a masterclass in character, culture, and consistency.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 - The power of setting achievable goals and how success begets success
2:17 - Brad's Amazing Race experience with his daughter Sam
9:29 - The real estate ethics story: How Brad's father chose integrity over extra commission
17:37 - The 1980 Miracle on Ice: Leadership lessons from Herb Brooks and why players feared him
25:25 - Career reflections: What Brad would've done differently as a professional athlete
30:30 - The secret sauce: Investing in massage therapy when other players didn't
39:10 - Building championship teams: The ingredients needed for success
45:20 - When Hall of Famers taught Brad about playing smart vs. playing hard
55:44 - Speaking it into existence: The power of manifesting your goals out loud
1:00:02 - Goal setting that works: Why Brad achieved everything he wrote down
1:03:05 - The supplement paradox: Why we stop doing what makes us feel good
1:07:06 - "You can't get blood from a rock": Brad's mental fortitude philosophy
1:11:58 - Helicopter parenting: Reflections on raising resilient vs. protected children

Key Takeaways:
Success is the realization of a predetermined goal
Achievable goals create momentum and compound wins
Longevity requires discipline beyond talent
Mental fortitude is a competitive advantage
You cannot succeed alone — success is collective
Speak goals into existence and back them with action

Resources Mentioned:
The Secret (law of attraction concept)
Miracle on Ice (1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team story)
Herb Brooks leadership model
Journaling & written goal-setting

Quotes:
“Set your goals, achievable goals, and you do that on a regular basis and you're gonna get to where you're going.” - Brad May
“The definition of success is the realization of a predetermined goal.” - Brad May
“You can’t get blood from a rock.” - Brad May
“Leadership shows up in a lot of different ways.” - Dwayne Kerrigan
“The strongest force in the human psyche is to remain congruent with how we identify ourselves.” - Dwayne Kerrigan

Brad May is a former NHL forward whose 19-year career spanned more than 1,000 regular-season games across the league. He is a Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, and remains a recognizable figure in hockey history for his 1993 overtime playoff goal against Boston, remembered by fans as the iconic “May Day” moment.

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2010, May transitioned into broadcasting, working as an NHL analyst with CBC, Rogers Sportsnet, and AT&T SportsNet, where his candid, player-first perspective made him a natural presence on air. In 2024, May entered a new chapter off the ice, joining NFP as a Client Executive, where he works with businesses and individuals on insurance and risk management.

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Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.