Thank Your Mentor Spotlight: Pittsburgh Penguins Goalie Casey DeSmith
Published
Someone who has been a mentor to me...
Someone who's been really influential in my life, especially as I was growing up, was the first goalie coach I ever had, Bill Brennan. I met him right after I became a goalie, when I was around 9 years old. Coach Bill played goalie at the University of Connecticut and was from my hometown of Rochester, NH, which I thought was so cool. He would come over to my house in the summer -- it would be 90 degrees and I would be out in my garage in my full gear. He would throw tennis balls and shoot pucks, teaching me how to read the release of a shot.
Coach Bill sacrificed so much of his time for me and wanted nothing in return. He was really selfless about everything and I could tell he cared about me as a goalie, but more so as a kid and as a person. He continues to be a big part of my life. I went to the University of New Hampshire and he came to almost every game. I can't speak highly enough about Bill Brennan and the impact he had on me as a young goalie and as a young kid. The impact he had was priceless.
Why did this person have such a big impact on your life? How did he/she help you?
Bill kept it fun -- every time he came over I was excited about it. Being with him was the highlight of my day or week. I looked at him, obviously, as a coach, but also as a friend. His whole demeanor was fun and he made hockey fun for me. He was helping me chase my dreams the same way he chased his.
Why do you think mentoring is important for everyone?
It's so important to have someone who you can look up to. Someone who has been around the block. It doesn't have to be hockey or even sports. Any endeavor you're trying to take on, I think it's easier when you have someone you can look up to and gain knowledge from -- someone who has experience to pass on to you and who can make life easier and less stressful. It's important to have someone to guide you through the challenges we all face no matter what we're taking on.
A message for my mentor...
Coach Bill, I know I've thanked you a thousand times and I just saw you this past Christmas, but I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me at such a young age and for giving me someone to look up to. Someone with such high character. It's been a blessing getting to know you so well and just getting to call you and your family friends. Thank you.
