NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - When Stéphane Matteau visited Pequenakonck Elementary School, the fourth graders not only met a former NHL player but also someone willing to share his deepest insecurities.
Matteau, best known for scoring a goal in double overtime that led the New York Rangers to win the 1994 Stanley Cup, opened up about struggling with his size, wrestling with anxiety, and facing constant pressure to improve his game. These honest reflections formed the core of his Make Your Moment in-classroom program, which combines leadership education with anti-bullying discussions and lessons on self-respect.
The students were awed by his stories, from choosing to practice skating in brutal -30°F weather when school was canceled, to eating cereal out of the Stanley Cup after the championship win, and going from idolizing Wayne Gretzky to playing on the same team as him.
When discussing Gretzky's influence, Matteau shared the advice that stuck with him: "He told us to work hard and have fun with it. Even though you lose, even though you don't succeed the first time, the second, third time, put a smile on your face. The coaches want to work with the kid with the smile and the right attitude."
Matteau emphasized staying positive, working hard, visualizing success, and not being afraid to ask for help; something he admitted was one of his biggest personal hurdles.
He'll return soon for additional mentoring sessions and a floor hockey game, where students will test his lessons on perseverance against a Stanley Cup champion. No pressure.
Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.
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