Sheldon Baker04.01.14
He played 19 seasons in the NHL, including 14 with the Los Angeles Kings, and combined in 1,431 career regular season games with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings (where he won a Stanley Cup in 2002), New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. His popular No. 20 jersey was retired by the Kings in 2007. In 2009, the eight-time All-Star was selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. As a player, Mr. Robitaille was honored with several awards and he set numerous records throughout his distinguished career. In addition to being the highest scoring left wing in NHL history, he holds the NHL record for left wingers for most goals (668). Since retiring as a player and assuming his current front office executive position as Kings president, business operations and alternate governor, Mr. Robitaille has had a tremendous impact on the team’s business operations department. He has been at the front of the Kings community relations department including the club’s Kings Care community partnerships, which was highlighted by the team’s $500,000 commitment to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles blood program. Last season, the Kings Care Foundation raised a record $1.3 million. He is also a spokesman for REvive, a natural juice and puree vitality drink.
Health E-Insights: What is your proudest accomplishment in the past five years?
Mr. Robitaille: Winning the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings has to be right at the top. It’s reaching the top of the mountain in the National Hockey League. Not easy to do.
Health E-Insights: What are the major differences in how players stay in shape today?
Mr. Robitaille: Playing professional hockey is now a year-round endeavor. Players also have personal trainers. There’s a lot at stake. You have to stay in shape to play an 82-game schedule, plus the playoffs. Players today don’t train to get in shape, they train to improve their weaknesses. They train to get better.
Health E-Insights: Have you seen any health trends in the NHL?
Mr. Robitaille: Yes. It’s evolved a lot since I played the game. Eating habits today are a science.
Health E-Insights: What are your thoughts about energy drinks for athletes?
Mr. Robitaille: It is very important to add to the nutrients that we are missing on a daily basis, but so-called energy drinks are not necessarily the answer. I discovered REvive last year, a 100% natural juice and puree vitality drink that is packed with antioxidants, flavonoids and phytochemicals. I do believe it’s important to get the vitamins and minerals you need to feel youthful, healthy and vigorous and this drink blends 21 super fruits without artificial stimulants, preservatives or harmful chemicals that are in so many of the energy drinks in the marketplace today. This is also why I am now involved with the company.
Health E-Insights: Do you also take dietary supplements?
Mr. Robitaille: Quite honestly, no.
Health E-Insights: Is there something about you people would find surprising?
Mr. Robitaille: I love SoulCycle. SoulCycle’s full-body workout has revolutionized indoor cycling and taken the world of fitness by storm. Combining inspirational coaching and high-energy music, SoulCycle offers an engaging workout that benefits both the mind and the body. It keeps me in great shape.
Health E-Insights: Of all your talents and successes, what do you want to be remembered for?
Mr. Robitaille: I’d say being a kind person, a great husband, father and friend.
Health E-Insights: Which NHL player do like to watch most?
Mr. Robitaille: It has to be Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. His work ethic and talent is what separates him. He’s in an elite circle of athletes.
Health E-Insights: Who was your toughest competitor in your playing days and why?
Mr. Robitaille: Chris Chelios was very competitive and fierce. If you beat him in a battle, he made you pay every time!
Health E-Insights: You travel a lot. What’s the one thing you can’t travel without?
Mr. Robitaille: I must have my iPad.
Health E-Insights: If you could sit next to anyone famous on a plane, who would it be?
Mr. Robitaille: Either the Dalai Lama or Eckhart Tolle. Tolle is best known as the author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. In 2011, he was listed by the Watkins Review as the most spiritually influential person in the world.
Health E-Insights: Do you prefer an airline window or aisle seat?
Mr. Robitaille: It has to be the aisle. I’m over six feet tall and it’s also easier for me to get to the bathroom.
Sheldon Baker is well known for creating nutraceutical brand marketing and public relations campaigns. For Health E-Insights interview consideration, contact him at Sheldon@NutraInk.com. And follow him on Twitter @NutraInk.
Health E-Insights: What is your proudest accomplishment in the past five years?
Mr. Robitaille: Winning the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings has to be right at the top. It’s reaching the top of the mountain in the National Hockey League. Not easy to do.
Health E-Insights: What are the major differences in how players stay in shape today?
Mr. Robitaille: Playing professional hockey is now a year-round endeavor. Players also have personal trainers. There’s a lot at stake. You have to stay in shape to play an 82-game schedule, plus the playoffs. Players today don’t train to get in shape, they train to improve their weaknesses. They train to get better.
Health E-Insights: Have you seen any health trends in the NHL?
Mr. Robitaille: Yes. It’s evolved a lot since I played the game. Eating habits today are a science.
Health E-Insights: What are your thoughts about energy drinks for athletes?
Mr. Robitaille: It is very important to add to the nutrients that we are missing on a daily basis, but so-called energy drinks are not necessarily the answer. I discovered REvive last year, a 100% natural juice and puree vitality drink that is packed with antioxidants, flavonoids and phytochemicals. I do believe it’s important to get the vitamins and minerals you need to feel youthful, healthy and vigorous and this drink blends 21 super fruits without artificial stimulants, preservatives or harmful chemicals that are in so many of the energy drinks in the marketplace today. This is also why I am now involved with the company.
Health E-Insights: Do you also take dietary supplements?
Mr. Robitaille: Quite honestly, no.
Health E-Insights: Is there something about you people would find surprising?
Mr. Robitaille: I love SoulCycle. SoulCycle’s full-body workout has revolutionized indoor cycling and taken the world of fitness by storm. Combining inspirational coaching and high-energy music, SoulCycle offers an engaging workout that benefits both the mind and the body. It keeps me in great shape.
Health E-Insights: Of all your talents and successes, what do you want to be remembered for?
Mr. Robitaille: I’d say being a kind person, a great husband, father and friend.
Health E-Insights: Which NHL player do like to watch most?
Mr. Robitaille: It has to be Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. His work ethic and talent is what separates him. He’s in an elite circle of athletes.
Health E-Insights: Who was your toughest competitor in your playing days and why?
Mr. Robitaille: Chris Chelios was very competitive and fierce. If you beat him in a battle, he made you pay every time!
Health E-Insights: You travel a lot. What’s the one thing you can’t travel without?
Mr. Robitaille: I must have my iPad.
Health E-Insights: If you could sit next to anyone famous on a plane, who would it be?
Mr. Robitaille: Either the Dalai Lama or Eckhart Tolle. Tolle is best known as the author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. In 2011, he was listed by the Watkins Review as the most spiritually influential person in the world.
Health E-Insights: Do you prefer an airline window or aisle seat?
Mr. Robitaille: It has to be the aisle. I’m over six feet tall and it’s also easier for me to get to the bathroom.