Daniel Carcillo UNFILTERED: Playing in the NHL, Dealing With CTE & Embracing Discipline

Hello party people, welcome back to the show! There are plenty of podcasts out there and so I thank you for choosing The Victory Degree today - the podcast where my mission is to interview the most influential people in sports both on and off the field. 

Today’s guest is Daniel Carcillo - former NHL player and current concussion survivor and mental health advocate. Daniel spent 10 years in the NHL, winning 2 Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks and excelling in his role as an enforcer. Daniel was known for his aggressive play style on the ice and willingness to drop the gloves - so much so it earned him the nickname “car bomb.” After retiring from the NHL, Daniel experienced severe mental health conditions - the aftermath of countless concussions while playing. Daniel’s work and commitment to brain health initiatives have been featured in The Players’ Tribune, The New York Times, USA Today, The Athletic, and more. 

In this interview, Daniel opens up on his journey to hockey which started in King City, Ontario, his experience playing in the NHL, his work surrounding brain health, and the power of discipline, self-care, and a positive mindset.

As always, I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode and please remember: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take….

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Who Is Daniel Carcillo?

(02:17) King City, Ontario

(04:57) Pursuing Hockey

(07:22) Moving Away from Home at 16

(10:12) Managing Pressure

(13:43) Visualizing Success

(20:11) Day in the Life of a NHL Player

(26:23) How to Keep Going

(29:44) Daniel's Willingness to Drop the Gloves

(37:01) The Link Between Hockey and CTE

(41:34) The Power of Discipline, a Positive Mindset & Self-Care

(47:07) Life Advice

Connect with Daniel: 

Twitter: https://x.com/CarBombBoom13

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielcarcillo13/

Website: https://danielcarcillo.com/

Connect with Nik: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic