When you have played, coached, been responsible for developing NHL ready prospects, worked as a GM at the pro level, and are raising a son who wants to be an NHL player, you have perspective and experience!

Our guest for episode 21 is Stacy Roest and he has done it all.

As an undersized junior talent, Roest played for the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he produced 3 consecutive 100 point campaigns. His offense was not rewarded by NHL scouts however and he was passed over in the Entry draft. But that didn’t stop him.

Stacy preserved though and was awarded an NHL deal by the Detroit Red Wings. Roest went on to play 3 seasons in the AHL with Adirondack where he developed his game and matured as a player. He led Adirondack with 92 points during the 97-98 season and was rewarded with roster spot on the big club the following year.

Roest went on to play 244 NHL games with the Wings and the Wild and then spent 9 seasons in Switzerland playing for Rapperwil-Jona.

Upon retirement, Roest joined the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013-14 as Director of Player Development and the Asst. Coach of the Lightning’s affiliate Syracuse Crunch. Roest held these positions until 2019-20 when he was promoted to GM of the Crunch and the Asst. GM of the Lightning.

It is not often someone has experienced the game at such a high level from so many influential and developmental positions. I also respect that Stacy is supporting his son, Austin, an Everett Silvertip prospect, navigate his own journey.

I love his story and I love his philosophy as we both share a passion for the importance of mindset.

Stacey wears many hats and we are lucky to have him on the podcast!