How the Power of Who has helped John Tripp throughout his hockey journey
Sean McCann, for PHPA.com | March 26th, 2019
John Tripp endured a rather long and winding professional hockey career that has taken him from the ice to the broadcast booth to behind the bench, and now back to him hometown of Kingston, Ontario where he has transitioned into a role with Peak Benefits. While he is forever grateful for the opportunities that were presented to him, there were some years he wouldn’t wish on anyone. Through it all, it’s the connections he made in hockey that have helped him succeed on and off the ice which can serve as a valuable lesson for players across any sport.
Tripp spent his junior career with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). At 6’3 and 220 lbs, he was determined to prove that he was more than a one-dimensional player.
“When I played junior, it was at a time between the need for skill and the need to fight. Everyone thought that I was simply a fighter, and I wanted to prove that I had the skill too. It’s all about the will and want to make the next level,” said Tripp.
Tripp concluded his junior career in 1996-97 with an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup appearance where in 59 games he recorded 48 points and 126 penalty minutes, adding 26 more points in 18 playoff games. The skill level the team had that season helped develop his game even further.
“We were a good team that had a great playoff run. We all wanted to develop and came together when it mattered most. Living with skilled players like Marc Savard really helped me personally. They were all good guys.”
Tripp then endured the rare occasion of being drafted to the NHL twice. In 1995, he was drafted in the 3rd round (77th overall) by the Colorado Avalanche. Two years later, he was drafted yet again, this time in the second round (42nd overall) by the Calgary Flames.
“I just couldn’t come to an agreement with Colorado. For a lot of players, it is much harder to get drafted higher the second time, so I got lucky. I felt like I had to sign. I ended up following my junior coach to Calgary which made it easier for me.”
Tripp began the next season in Saint John, New Brunswick which was home to the Flames’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate at the time. While most players have fond memories during the start of their pro career, Tripp did not have it easy.
“I sucked. I had no confidence and no one, including me, believed in my abilities. I had a real hard time finding my way. Many places I went to wanted me to fight, not score.”
Tripp would split the next three seasons within the Flames organization bouncing between the AHL and ECHL all the while struggling to find a team that got the best out him. The next season in 2000-01 saw Tripp play for 5 different teams across 3 different leagues (AHL, ECHL, IHL) which can essentially break a player. Tripp though had to find ways to stay focused and work through the struggles.
“That year I started in Providence but didn’t make it out of camp. From there, I played in Houston, Milwaukee, Hershey, and Pensacola. I actually sent myself down from Houston because they just wanted me to fight. The only thing I could control was staying in shape. I focused on working out and keeping myself in the best shape possible.”
The following season, Tripp signed with the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL and finally began to see results. It was an old friend, Al Coates, who wanted him in Hartford and was eager to get him signed.
“I got to know Al Coates from my time with Calgary. When he became the General Manager of the Hartford Wolfpack, he called me and wanted to sign me. I initially declined, but he called again, so I had to say yes.”
Without an agent, Tripp turned to the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) for some much need guidance and help.
“I never really had an agent. So when I had to negotiate my contract, I ended up calling the PHPA after every meeting to make sure I wasn’t getting a bad deal. Luckily I did as they were a huge help in getting me a fair contract and helping me understand what I should ask for.”
After getting his career back on track and regaining the confidence that he had yearned for, in 2002 the dream came true; Tripp was called up to the New York Rangers. He vividly remembers finding out through a prank and immediately broke down.
“I remember someone in Hartford told me I had to go to New York for an autograph session. I asked why it had to be in New York, and that pause he gave me was when I realized I was being called up. I broke down in tears immediately.”
“Glenn Sather was there to negotiate my contract, but I just told him that I would sign whatever he gave me. I got to play on the power play with Mark Messier and Eric Lindros. That was something I will never forget.”
Tripp played 9 games with the Rangers that season and then 34 more NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings the next season.
In 2004, he had an opportunity to continue his career in Germany for Adler Mannheim. Next thing he knew, his family had settled in and he enjoyed 12 seasons in Germany.
“I planned on taking it one year at a time, but my family really liked it there. I got to train with the German National team, and my wife played basketball in the NCAA, so she got to continue her career in Germany.”
Tripp is also of German descent, making the transition easier. He was also able to represent Germany at many World Championship Tournaments including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. His favourite memory representing Germany involves scoring the deciding goal that got Germany into the prestigious event.
“In our final qualifying game we got a late power play. We won the faceoff and I went straight to the net and the puck found me. That goal I scored would end up qualifying us for the Olympics. It was something special that I’ll never forget.”
In 2016, after a 19-year professional hockey career, Tripp officially retired. He always heard how tough it would be to retire and begin that transition, but did not think much of it. After experiencing it first-hand, he understands now why many people use words like “tough” and “dark” to describe it.
“You hear other former players describe how truly hard it is to transition out of hockey and I did not think much of it until I had to do it myself. There were some dark times for sure. You have that moment where you think ‘What am I good at besides hockey?’ It makes you a little scared.”
Tripp struggled to find a career after hockey. He spent time working with TSN (The Sports Network) in their broadcasting department but needed some additional training.
“I contacted the NHL Alumni Association and they helped set up the required courses and training. That program really helped me with the next step out of hockey. I ended up loving my position there.”
Then after a few years coaching in Europe, Tripp decided to move back home to Kingston to settle down. Thanks to his connections, he was able to find a new career path.
“It is vital that you gain those connections throughout your hockey career. Developing those relationships, talking to different people, those are the little things you do not think about at the time that will help you in the long-run.”
Tripp now works as an Account Executive for Peak Benefits Solutions in Kingston, Ontario which works with companies to offer “competitive, cost-effective employee benefits plans.” While the position was originally outside of Tripp’s expertise, with the proper training and mentorship he thoroughly enjoys the new challenge.
“It was another connection that got me the position. A former player I have gotten to know through our time working at a local hockey school, Michael D’Alessandro, bought into the company with some other partners and heard I was looking for a job. That was when he offered me a position. He knew me and knew the kind of personality and work ethic he was bringing into the office. I hope more players can learn from this and understand that connections can really open up opportunities like this.”
Tripp also credits the PHPA Alumni Network as a highly effective resource former players can turn to for any type of resources, contacts, or mentorship support.
“The PHPA Alumni Network allows players, both current and former, to hear each other’s stories, hear of opportunities, and become connected. You learn how important it is to work hard, reach out and talk to people. Those conversations can spark ideas that will help you take that next step. I am very happy that organizations like the PHPA, as well as the NHLPA and NHL Alumni Association, truly care about their players after they retire. It is true that many of us do not have a plan after retirement.”
Tripp endured more travel in his career than most will in their entire lives. While some years may have been more challenging than others, he credits his entire career to who he is today. Tripp is thankful for the connections he has made and is ready to continue his hockey journey where it started, in Kingston.
