"I KNOW, I KNOW"

Shawn was a naturally gifted golfer who loved the sport and wanted to play all day, every day. He thrived in tournaments, consistently finishing in the top ten. However, his stubbornness was a constant barrier. He refused to listen to his coach, Stubby McGee, a legendary golfer who had played on the PGA Tour but had to retire early due to a car accident. Whenever Stubby tried to offer advice on improving his swing, putting, or short game, Shawn's response was always, "I know, I know."

"Shawn, you need to adjust your grip for better control," Stubby advised. "I know, I know," Shawn replied, dismissively.

"Your putting technique needs work. Try this," Stubby suggested. "I know, I know," Shawn said, barely listening.

One day, after another frustrating practice session, Stubby had enough. He told Shawn's parents he was done coaching him. Despite their pleas, Stubby stood firm. "Shawn is unwilling to learn," he said. "He wants to be good now but doesn't understand the value of learning for the future."

In the following years, Shawn's performance declined. Other players improved while he remained stagnant. By the time he was 15, he failed to make the top 25 in any tournament that summer. Disheartened, he considered quitting. His parents urged him to think it over and perhaps talk to Stubby one more time.

Embarrassed but determined, Shawn called Stubby. "Coach, I know I was stubborn. I didn’t want to learn for the future. Give me another chance, and I promise I won’t say 'I know' ever again."

Stubby replied, "Grab your clubs and meet me at the range in an hour."

With renewed determination, Shawn climbed back up the leaderboards. By the time he turned 18, he earned a full golf scholarship, understanding that being coachable was the key to unlocking his true potential.

Stat of the week

In 1892, Lord Stanley purchased a decorative bowl to be given as a championship trophy from a London silversmith for 10 guineas, which translates into $51.10 in today's US dollars. The Cup was originally presented in 1893. With over 125 years of rich history, the Stanley Cup has over 2,497 number of individuals engraved on the cup, 3,489 if you count the bands which have been retired over the years.

Since 1950, only two organizations (and three coaches) have won four consecutive Stanley Cup championships:

1. Montreal Canadiens (Toe Blake): 1956-1960

2. Montreal Canadiens (Scotty Bowman): 1976-1979

3. New York Islanders (Al Arbour): 1980-83

Only two players in NHL history have reached the 40-point plateau in a single postseason: Wayne Gretzky (three times) and Mario Lemieux. The last time the mark was achieved was by Gretzky in 1993.