Captain Clutch
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What Jonathan Toews Taught Us About Showing Up When It Matters
“Jonathan Toews is the heartbeat of the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s a leader in every sense of the word, and he’s a guy that everyone looks up to and respects.”
This past week Jonathan Toews played his last game as the iconic Captain of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. A Two-time World Junior Champion, Three-time Stanley Cup Champion, two time Olympic Gold Medallist, 2 Time Selke Trophy Winner - his list of achievements go on and on. For me, it wasn’t only the on-ice performances that were impressive, it was his greatness as a leader, as a teammate and human being. Whether or not you are a sports fan, hockey fan, or are hearing his name for the first time - I would be remiss not to reflect on some of the lessons I have witnessed from my favourite player to ever lace up the skates.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Showing up when it matters
“He’s a coach’s dream. He’s always prepared, he’s always engaged. He leads by example and he’s not afraid to speak up when he needs to.”
During all these championship runs you could almost visibly see Toews put the team on his back. His ability to step up in big moments from game winning overtime goals to his iconic 3 for 3 performances in the World Juniors vs. Team USA. Although most of the light shines on his winning moments, it is also well known that his teammates knew he could always be counted on no matter what, on or off the ice. Patrick Kane (another future Hall of Famer) even went as far as saying that he likely wouldn’t be the player he was today if he didn’t have Toews to lean on, to handle all the on and off-ice pressures that came with competing at the highest level.
As leaders we need to be present, consistent and most of all show our teams that we are going to be there when it matters most. We may not always bring the winning formula or the perfect solution, but our steady presence matters.
Put in the work
“His commitment, his work ethic, his consistency day in and day out, not just in games but in practices, everything he does is at such a high level. He’s just a great example to follow.”
Toews set the bar when it came to what was expected to win. He put in the work in all aspects of his game, whether it was the nuances of becoming better at winning face-offs to his mental and physical fitness levels. He wasn’t going to ask anything of his teammates that he wasn’t doing himself. Most people don’t know that his best statistical season came in the 2018-2019 season after many had dismissed him as a washed-up veteran. After having a couple of subpar seasons, Toews went back to work on his skills and conditioning, admitting the game was getting faster and players were getting stronger, and he needed to evolve if he wanted to continue to perform at a high level.
Success in any area of life needs to be earned continuously. One of my mentors always used to say, “There is always someone coming who is stronger, faster, tougher and who wants it more than you do, so standing still is not an option”.
You can’t do it alone
“Jonathan Toews is a natural leader. He leads by example, he’s vocal when he needs to be, and he always has the team’s best interests at heart.”
Even the best leaders in the world need other leaders to look to. Toews would be the first to admit that any of his accomplishments worth celebrating were more team-based than individually fuelled. One of my favourite moments as a lover of hockey and leadership was an exchange between Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews in a 2013 playoff game. After taking 3 penalties in a period, it was clear that Toews was rattled. Seabrook skated over to the penalty box and picked up his teammate with some words and encouragement to help him reframe his mindset and let him know that he doesn’t have to do it all on his own.
Seabrook encouraging Toews in the 2013 playoff game
I don’t care who you are, whatever you are trying to achieve is going to require somebody to support you or help you along the way. Surround yourself with a great team, ask for help, but most of all, understand that you are ultimately human and the best leaders are vulnerable and humble enough to realize that the journey is a lot easier and arguably more fun with a supportive team.
Be humble, kind, and willing to serve
“Jonathan Toews is a guy that you want on your team, no matter what. He’s a true leader and he always puts the team first.”
Despite being one of the youngest to ever be appointed captaincy, throughout his whole career, Toews never made it about himself. He was also the first person to recognize his teammates or deflect the spotlight from himself, even if he was deserving of it. In his last interview as a Blackhawk, he was ironically interviewed with Patrick Sharp who was a teammate of his on their three Stanley Cup runs, and his focus was not on his illustrious career as a Blackhawk. Instead, his comments were “I owe my teammates, the fans and the community so much”.
Toews is known for his active participation in community and charitable events, and he uses his platform to make a positive impact. He is highly respected in the hockey community and is known to make those around him better both on and off the ice.
In 2010, when Sidney Crosby was appointed captain of Team Canada, it is rumoured that he consulted with Toews to ensure he was on board with the decision. Toews not only supported Crosby and the team’s decision, but he also took on a very different leadership role with the team. Setting his ego aside, he took on a critical role that had him facing off against the opponents’ top players. He quietly shut down his opponents and was also awarded the top forward of the Olympic tournament.
Closing thoughts
“You become what you think about and what you focus on the most. Thoughts and desires in your mind can become a reality”
Like so many other leaders that inspire us, Toews’ impact goes beyond his individual performance. While it is not confirmed whether Toews will retire from hockey, what is certain is the lasting impression he has made as a leader to his teams, teammates, and aspiring leaders like me, who can see the invaluable lessons of humility, kindness and service exemplified through sports by one of the best to ever do it.
