Bobby Robins
October 8, 2014 may not seem like a significant date at first glance. But to Bobby Robins, it was magic, filled with potential. This was his NHL debut.
The Boston Bruins called him up to the main squad just in time for him to make the opening night roster. After eight years of bouncing around professional hockey with stints in Binghamton, Rochester, Northern Ireland, Bakersfield and Providence, he’d finally made it big.
After the game, a 2-1 win over the Flyers, Robins spoke to the press about how meaningful the chance was for him:
"“After nine years, to have that happen, it was a dream come true. To play here at the Garden after playing for four years at UMass Lowell and always watching the Bruins over the last bunch of years, it was a very special feeling. I’ll never forget it.” – reported by Zack Cox, NESN"
Unfortunately, he also suffered a severe concussion in that game, and after two more games in Boston and two in Providence, he hung up his skates for good in 2015 after experiencing post-concussion syndrome.
He refused to let the tragedy of the situation affect him. Instead, the former English major started a blog on his personal website and threw himself into spending time with his family.
In December, Robins guested on the Sports Spectrum podcast sharing his life and faith story. He continues to stay active in hockey by coaching within the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.