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How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life
The ultimate hockey dad, Karl Subban is a former school principal and father of five, including three sons--P.K., Malcolm and Jordan--who have been drafted to the NHL. Karl's inspirational story follows the hockey journey from house league to the big leagues and shows how to grow the unlimited potential that is in every child.
In his thirty-plus years of coaching, teaching and parenting, Karl Subban has proved to be a leader with the gift of inspiring others. He has dedicated his life to helping young people grow their potential--to be better at what they do, and to be better people.
Originally from Jamaica, Karl Subban, along with his wife, Maria, have raised five accomplished children. Their oldest son is P.K. Subban, who won the Norris Trophy for top defenceman in the NHL and whose trade from the Canadiens to the Nashville Predators shocked the hockey world. Their two daughters are teachers, one a university basketball star and the other a talented visual artist. Their two youngest children, goaltender Malcolm and defenceman Jordan, are also rising through the professional ranks, drafted and signed by NHL teams--the three sons adding up to what Karl calls "the Subban hat trick."
Now, from the backyard hockey rink to the nail-biting suspense of draft days, Karl Subban shares tales of his family's unique hockey journey. Mixing personal stories with lessons he learned as a coach and principal--lessons about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment--How We Did It will allow other parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to apply the same principles as they help the young people in their lives to identify, develop and live their dreams.
In his thirty-plus years of coaching, teaching and parenting, Karl Subban has proved to be a leader with the gift of inspiring others. He has dedicated his life to helping young people grow their potential--to be better at what they do, and to be better people.
Originally from Jamaica, Karl Subban, along with his wife, Maria, have raised five accomplished children. Their oldest son is P.K. Subban, who won the Norris Trophy for top defenceman in the NHL and whose trade from the Canadiens to the Nashville Predators shocked the hockey world. Their two daughters are teachers, one a university basketball star and the other a talented visual artist. Their two youngest children, goaltender Malcolm and defenceman Jordan, are also rising through the professional ranks, drafted and signed by NHL teams--the three sons adding up to what Karl calls "the Subban hat trick."
Now, from the backyard hockey rink to the nail-biting suspense of draft days, Karl Subban shares tales of his family's unique hockey journey. Mixing personal stories with lessons he learned as a coach and principal--lessons about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment--How We Did It will allow other parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to apply the same principles as they help the young people in their lives to identify, develop and live their dreams.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
12 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 7, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was really happy when I saw that I have won it, since P.K. was a favorite here, in Montreal. Well, it delivered.
Usually, I hate highlighting passages in my books. But there were so many that I wanted to keep that I didn’t have a choice. M. Subban gives really good advice on life, parenting, and believing— in yourself and in your kids (or kids in general, if you don’t have any and you’re a teacher, for example).
I loved that all the self-help is interspersed with their family story. It helps to illustrate their success.
Usually, I hate highlighting passages in my books. But there were so many that I wanted to keep that I didn’t have a choice. M. Subban gives really good advice on life, parenting, and believing— in yourself and in your kids (or kids in general, if you don’t have any and you’re a teacher, for example).
I loved that all the self-help is interspersed with their family story. It helps to illustrate their success.
June 15, 2019
*********** ARC FROM GIVEAWAY***********
"How We Did It will allow other parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to apply the same principles as they help the young people in their lives to identify, develop and live their dreams."
This book was infuriating. For a book that should be about giving helpful tidbits on how to encourage potential in children, it has a surprisingly small amount dedicated to the authors children and how they were raised.
Some of the helpful tips found in this book are.......
1. Detailed recipes and why they are so delicious.
2. How his grandmother always fell asleep when he combed her hair.
3. The history of Jim Zoet's career (he's a basketball player that didn't make it to the NBA, but the author felt he should have).
4. All the different ways crab meat can be cooked.
5. Two full pages describing all the various vehicles he owned over the years and how each one made its tragic demise before being replaced.
6. How wonderful a basketball player he was/is.
7. All the accomplishments he made as a teacher and eventually an administrator (not much on methods of helping students, just that he did help and it's important to help).
This was a memoir masquerading as a child rearing help book. When there were stories about the children it was less about the interactions with the children and more about the sacrifices he made and how he was feeling in the stories. This book was not helpful. The writing was very dry and repetitive making it a difficult read to get through. I had to force myself to even finish it.
"How We Did It will allow other parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to apply the same principles as they help the young people in their lives to identify, develop and live their dreams."
This book was infuriating. For a book that should be about giving helpful tidbits on how to encourage potential in children, it has a surprisingly small amount dedicated to the authors children and how they were raised.
Some of the helpful tips found in this book are.......
1. Detailed recipes and why they are so delicious.
2. How his grandmother always fell asleep when he combed her hair.
3. The history of Jim Zoet's career (he's a basketball player that didn't make it to the NBA, but the author felt he should have).
4. All the different ways crab meat can be cooked.
5. Two full pages describing all the various vehicles he owned over the years and how each one made its tragic demise before being replaced.
6. How wonderful a basketball player he was/is.
7. All the accomplishments he made as a teacher and eventually an administrator (not much on methods of helping students, just that he did help and it's important to help).
This was a memoir masquerading as a child rearing help book. When there were stories about the children it was less about the interactions with the children and more about the sacrifices he made and how he was feeling in the stories. This book was not helpful. The writing was very dry and repetitive making it a difficult read to get through. I had to force myself to even finish it.
September 6, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and was very excited for its arrival! It was interesting to see how a prominent hockey household grew up. There's certainly a lot that this book does not address but as a memoir of the family and their path, it was fun. The writing style is straight-forward and pleasant and the individual family member inputs in various chapters definitely added a layer to this book which is not present in many of the genre. As the hockey-playing, hockey-loving parents of a small child, I can only hope that our child has the passion for the game that we do. If that happens, we'll support it. If not, we'll find something else for our child to love. Finding one's passion is a great thing.
May 2, 2018
Over the years I have read a number of Hockey books, I remember in high school reading my father's copy of Black & White & Never Right by Vern Buffey and about a decade later Fire on Ice by Eric Lindros. But this book is so much more than just a hockey story, and even more than an amazing story about three brothers who all have made it to the National Hockey League. In many ways this book is more about life, about parenting, about setting standards, about pursuing goals, and teaching thank just guys who achieved what many just dream of.
This book is a treasure trove of wisdom. Anyone who works with children, or who has children would benefit from reading this book. This book is built from Karl and Maria Subban years of parenting, and also Karl's decades as a teacher, principal and administrator in the Ontario School system. The book covers Karl's story, about coming to Canada, becoming Canadian, and a a Canadian's fan. It also is about the whole family raising all five Subban children; Nastassia, Natasha, P.K., Malcolm and Jordan. The chapters in this book are:
Dedication
1: How We Did It
2: It Starts with a Dream
3: The Making of a Canadian-and a Canadiens Fans
4: Waking the Sleeping Giant
5: A Difference Maker
6: Parenthood
7: Minor Hockey
8: The Twenty-Four-Hour Rule
9: Malcolm in the Middle
10: Bullish on Belleville
11: Lessons from the Schoolyard
12: The Subban Hat Trick
13: The Dream Becomes a Reality
14: Eyes on the Prize
15: The Second Dream
EPILOGUE: Growing Up Subban
Karl states that the expectations placed upon his growing up were the same ones he tried to instill in his children. He says:
"There were four expectations placed on me, like a licence plate on a car, and they came from my parents, my extended family and the community. These expectations were as ubiquitous as the hot Jamaican sun. They were always there in my conscious and unconscious mind:
1. Work hard in school.
2. Behave well, watch your manners and always respect your elders.
3. Look clean and neat, especially outside the home.
4. Be good at something and make your family proud.
These expectations set the tone for the early years of my childhood and, much later, influenced the expectations I had for my own children."
There are stories of sacrifice and commitment in the book. And there is also an open honesty about mistakes. Karl shares the story of pulling P.K. from the middle of a game. And not following the 24-hour rule before making a big decision. In the end it worked out but created a lot of stress for the family, and for Karl personally regret in how he handled it.
When Karl was an administrator at a struggling school he came up with an approach to instill confidence, and respect. It focused around a school credo and new way to focus. Karl recalls:
"Before dismissing students to their classrooms, we had one final piece of business. Students had to repeat after me our new Brookview Middle School credo:
My potential lies inside me.
It gives me the ability
to reach for something,
to become something better.
Then I would continue with the second part:
"I come to school to work hard to be a better person and to be a better student by using the Four T's: Time, Task, Training and Team."
Students had to learn why they walked through the school doors every morning. Plus, they needed to know how to achieve their goals. What they thought, what they believed and what they did was relevant to the success I wanted for them and the potential I saw in them. Without a belief in their own potential, all effort would be futile. I would tell them that the reason they come to school is to work, to be a better student and to be a better person, and that they were born with the potential to do it. Just set your goal, I would say, believe in your potential and start working.
After an orderly dismissal from the cafetorium, the students were led to their classrooms by the teachers, who started each session with what I call SLICE.
S: standing
L: looking and listening
I: I messages. Students were engaged by asking themselves the following I Messages after the teacher had given them instructions or taught a mini lesson (about twenty minutes): Do I understand the information or instructions? Do I know what to do? Do I have a question?
C: completing the work
E: doing exemplary work
Students were not allowed to sit if they had a question. If teachers were doing their job and knew their students, they would be able to tell who was struggling. Teachers were reminded that six out of ten students were not getting what they were teaching.
SLICE was my main strategy for closing the achievement gap between the 40 percent who were learning up to expectations and the 60 percent who were missing in action during the lesson.
One day during the morning assembly, staff and students were introduced to the Brookview Values. A large mural was painted on one wall in the cafetorium, displaying the values that would govern the behaviour of staff and students: Respect, Responsibility, Organization, Punctuality, Kind and Caring, and High Expectations. During assemblies I would often have hundreds of voices shouting out each value at the same time."
These are the same values and lessens that have been instilled in all 5 of the Subban children. Karl shares a few stories about students he has run into sometimes years later and the impact his teaching and modeling of behavior had upon them. He also shares stories about parents or children sharing with him how P.K.'s charity work, especially at the Montreal Children's Hospital has impacted them.
There are stories about all three boy's and their time with the Belleville Bulls. As well as stories about injuries and desperately trying to get to their child's side.
When reading other hockey books, such as those by Tie Domi or Wendel Clark's I came away from the book learning a few things about the player or their career that I did not know. And a few fun stories. This book goes to a much deeper level. This book has inspired me to try harder, to seek improvement. Improvement as a father, as a husband as a man. This book has both inspired and challenged me. My children might be too old to get into Hockey, as much as the oldest two would love to, but it is not to late to instill a #TeamMcEvoy plan along that modeled by #TeamSubban.
I was a P.K. fan since his entry into the NHL, as a lifelong Habs fan I still cheer for Montreal. But I follow the predators because of P.K. and have been very impressed with Malcolm and his role in the Vegas Golden Knights success this season. But this book has helped me to appreciate them more. And I look forward to following the three boys in hockey and their lives after.
This book is an incredible read. My wife is not much of a reader, but I showed it to her while watching a playoff game recently. She read the first two chapters on my phone while continuing to listen to the game. She works at a company that does cognitive assessments and helps children achieve educational or behavioral Breakthroughs. From just the first few chapters she had a few quotes she wanted to share with her team at work.
Early in the book Karl states:
"As a Toronto public school principal, I would often give a room of students a simple proposition: "Anyone who wants to be better, raise your hand." Every hand shot up. That should come as no surprise-every child wants to be better. The problem is too many don't believe they can be.
There is a crisis today among our children. I saw it in the Toronto schools where I worked, and I see it today at the hockey arenas and in the playgrounds and on the streets and in the shopping malls. Too many children are adrift, too many children lack the direction and love and the support they need to be better. For these children there is no adult, or not enough adults, willing to step in, step up and lead the way till those children can find their own way."
He also stresses:
"Whether it was our five children, or the thousands of kids I taught or coached, or the school board staff I worked with, or my grandchildren today, I see everyone the same way; I see each person carrying a gift inside them that they are born with, and that gift is their potential. It has been my job as a father, as a principal and as a leader to develop that potential. And I deliberately don't say "reach" that potential because I don't believe a person ever reaches their true potential. That is something you should always be striving for, no matter how old you are."
And that is part of what makes this book so good. It is not just about three brothers making it in Hockey. It is about how to help other achieve their potential and how to strive to achieve our own.
I recommend this book to every parent, every grandparent, to everyone who works with children. It will give you new insight and open your eyes. It will inspire, challenge and encourage you to work towards that potential in yourself, and to bring it out in others.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
This book is a treasure trove of wisdom. Anyone who works with children, or who has children would benefit from reading this book. This book is built from Karl and Maria Subban years of parenting, and also Karl's decades as a teacher, principal and administrator in the Ontario School system. The book covers Karl's story, about coming to Canada, becoming Canadian, and a a Canadian's fan. It also is about the whole family raising all five Subban children; Nastassia, Natasha, P.K., Malcolm and Jordan. The chapters in this book are:
Dedication
1: How We Did It
2: It Starts with a Dream
3: The Making of a Canadian-and a Canadiens Fans
4: Waking the Sleeping Giant
5: A Difference Maker
6: Parenthood
7: Minor Hockey
8: The Twenty-Four-Hour Rule
9: Malcolm in the Middle
10: Bullish on Belleville
11: Lessons from the Schoolyard
12: The Subban Hat Trick
13: The Dream Becomes a Reality
14: Eyes on the Prize
15: The Second Dream
EPILOGUE: Growing Up Subban
Karl states that the expectations placed upon his growing up were the same ones he tried to instill in his children. He says:
"There were four expectations placed on me, like a licence plate on a car, and they came from my parents, my extended family and the community. These expectations were as ubiquitous as the hot Jamaican sun. They were always there in my conscious and unconscious mind:
1. Work hard in school.
2. Behave well, watch your manners and always respect your elders.
3. Look clean and neat, especially outside the home.
4. Be good at something and make your family proud.
These expectations set the tone for the early years of my childhood and, much later, influenced the expectations I had for my own children."
There are stories of sacrifice and commitment in the book. And there is also an open honesty about mistakes. Karl shares the story of pulling P.K. from the middle of a game. And not following the 24-hour rule before making a big decision. In the end it worked out but created a lot of stress for the family, and for Karl personally regret in how he handled it.
When Karl was an administrator at a struggling school he came up with an approach to instill confidence, and respect. It focused around a school credo and new way to focus. Karl recalls:
"Before dismissing students to their classrooms, we had one final piece of business. Students had to repeat after me our new Brookview Middle School credo:
My potential lies inside me.
It gives me the ability
to reach for something,
to become something better.
Then I would continue with the second part:
"I come to school to work hard to be a better person and to be a better student by using the Four T's: Time, Task, Training and Team."
Students had to learn why they walked through the school doors every morning. Plus, they needed to know how to achieve their goals. What they thought, what they believed and what they did was relevant to the success I wanted for them and the potential I saw in them. Without a belief in their own potential, all effort would be futile. I would tell them that the reason they come to school is to work, to be a better student and to be a better person, and that they were born with the potential to do it. Just set your goal, I would say, believe in your potential and start working.
After an orderly dismissal from the cafetorium, the students were led to their classrooms by the teachers, who started each session with what I call SLICE.
S: standing
L: looking and listening
I: I messages. Students were engaged by asking themselves the following I Messages after the teacher had given them instructions or taught a mini lesson (about twenty minutes): Do I understand the information or instructions? Do I know what to do? Do I have a question?
C: completing the work
E: doing exemplary work
Students were not allowed to sit if they had a question. If teachers were doing their job and knew their students, they would be able to tell who was struggling. Teachers were reminded that six out of ten students were not getting what they were teaching.
SLICE was my main strategy for closing the achievement gap between the 40 percent who were learning up to expectations and the 60 percent who were missing in action during the lesson.
One day during the morning assembly, staff and students were introduced to the Brookview Values. A large mural was painted on one wall in the cafetorium, displaying the values that would govern the behaviour of staff and students: Respect, Responsibility, Organization, Punctuality, Kind and Caring, and High Expectations. During assemblies I would often have hundreds of voices shouting out each value at the same time."
These are the same values and lessens that have been instilled in all 5 of the Subban children. Karl shares a few stories about students he has run into sometimes years later and the impact his teaching and modeling of behavior had upon them. He also shares stories about parents or children sharing with him how P.K.'s charity work, especially at the Montreal Children's Hospital has impacted them.
There are stories about all three boy's and their time with the Belleville Bulls. As well as stories about injuries and desperately trying to get to their child's side.
When reading other hockey books, such as those by Tie Domi or Wendel Clark's I came away from the book learning a few things about the player or their career that I did not know. And a few fun stories. This book goes to a much deeper level. This book has inspired me to try harder, to seek improvement. Improvement as a father, as a husband as a man. This book has both inspired and challenged me. My children might be too old to get into Hockey, as much as the oldest two would love to, but it is not to late to instill a #TeamMcEvoy plan along that modeled by #TeamSubban.
I was a P.K. fan since his entry into the NHL, as a lifelong Habs fan I still cheer for Montreal. But I follow the predators because of P.K. and have been very impressed with Malcolm and his role in the Vegas Golden Knights success this season. But this book has helped me to appreciate them more. And I look forward to following the three boys in hockey and their lives after.
This book is an incredible read. My wife is not much of a reader, but I showed it to her while watching a playoff game recently. She read the first two chapters on my phone while continuing to listen to the game. She works at a company that does cognitive assessments and helps children achieve educational or behavioral Breakthroughs. From just the first few chapters she had a few quotes she wanted to share with her team at work.
Early in the book Karl states:
"As a Toronto public school principal, I would often give a room of students a simple proposition: "Anyone who wants to be better, raise your hand." Every hand shot up. That should come as no surprise-every child wants to be better. The problem is too many don't believe they can be.
There is a crisis today among our children. I saw it in the Toronto schools where I worked, and I see it today at the hockey arenas and in the playgrounds and on the streets and in the shopping malls. Too many children are adrift, too many children lack the direction and love and the support they need to be better. For these children there is no adult, or not enough adults, willing to step in, step up and lead the way till those children can find their own way."
He also stresses:
"Whether it was our five children, or the thousands of kids I taught or coached, or the school board staff I worked with, or my grandchildren today, I see everyone the same way; I see each person carrying a gift inside them that they are born with, and that gift is their potential. It has been my job as a father, as a principal and as a leader to develop that potential. And I deliberately don't say "reach" that potential because I don't believe a person ever reaches their true potential. That is something you should always be striving for, no matter how old you are."
And that is part of what makes this book so good. It is not just about three brothers making it in Hockey. It is about how to help other achieve their potential and how to strive to achieve our own.
I recommend this book to every parent, every grandparent, to everyone who works with children. It will give you new insight and open your eyes. It will inspire, challenge and encourage you to work towards that potential in yourself, and to bring it out in others.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
February 1, 2018
Parenting isn’t easy, but generally, I stay away from parenting books because they just make me feel even more clueless. Karl Subban’s book How We Did It is this interesting combination of memoir, parenting advice and how-to on getting your kids into the NHL that I got hooked on right away. A loving husband and father to five children, Karl has been a successful educator and coach for over three decades. So he knows a thing or two about raising and teaching kids.
While I’m not planning to take my kids to the skating rink at 2 am or spend hours in the basement running through drills, all the time and effort Karl and his wife, Maria, dedicated to their children’s love of sports exemplified for me the effort and sacrifice that might be necessary to raise happy and successful kids. As Karl states in his book, the hockey stardom his sons have enjoyed is meaningless if they aren’t successful at life. Then he would have failed at being a parent.
I really found this kind of wisdom refreshing. Karl loves kids and believes all children are born with the potential to make their dreams come true. But it has to be a dream that belongs to them. His memoir talks about how parents can provide support and then get out of the way, so children will strive for success because they’re doing it for themselves. They aren’t living someone else’s dream or trying to please a parent. You set them up and then you step back.
It probably helps being a hockey fan to read this book because I enjoyed reading about the long road the Subbans travelled to get three sons drafted to the NHL. But it’s definitely the parenting advice and philosophy Karl Subban shared that I got the most out of. So now when I’m trying to wrangle my kids into doing their homework or reminding them to do their chores for the tenth time, I try not to lose my cool. I think about the life skills I’m trying to instill in my kids. This clarity doesn’t happen every day, but it’s happening!
Parenting isn’t easy, but Karl would probably say all that hard work is what makes you a better parent.
While I’m not planning to take my kids to the skating rink at 2 am or spend hours in the basement running through drills, all the time and effort Karl and his wife, Maria, dedicated to their children’s love of sports exemplified for me the effort and sacrifice that might be necessary to raise happy and successful kids. As Karl states in his book, the hockey stardom his sons have enjoyed is meaningless if they aren’t successful at life. Then he would have failed at being a parent.
I really found this kind of wisdom refreshing. Karl loves kids and believes all children are born with the potential to make their dreams come true. But it has to be a dream that belongs to them. His memoir talks about how parents can provide support and then get out of the way, so children will strive for success because they’re doing it for themselves. They aren’t living someone else’s dream or trying to please a parent. You set them up and then you step back.
It probably helps being a hockey fan to read this book because I enjoyed reading about the long road the Subbans travelled to get three sons drafted to the NHL. But it’s definitely the parenting advice and philosophy Karl Subban shared that I got the most out of. So now when I’m trying to wrangle my kids into doing their homework or reminding them to do their chores for the tenth time, I try not to lose my cool. I think about the life skills I’m trying to instill in my kids. This clarity doesn’t happen every day, but it’s happening!
Parenting isn’t easy, but Karl would probably say all that hard work is what makes you a better parent.
December 7, 2017
DNF at 40%. Very little on the hockey players...just a memoir of the father
February 1, 2019
Karl Subban, P.K.'s father has an interesting and inspiring story to tell. He immigrated to Canada from Jamaica at age 11 to live in Sudbury where his father worked as an electrician with Falconbridge. Benefitting from a strong family, he went to Lakehead University where he played basketball at the CIAU level and had dreams of going on to the NBA which, at the end of his university career, he accepted as unrealistic. He then got his teacher's certifiate, went on to teach and then be a principal in the Toronto public school system. Married with 5 children he passed down the legacy of a strong family and a highly disciplined approach to life to his children. His three sons were all drafted into the NHL. His daughters are teachers and social workers. It seems like he was, for the most part, a well regulated hockey father with the usual investment in back yard rinks, support for development and volunteering. One incident that stuck with me was how P.K. would come home from school Friday nights, have dinner and then a nap and then be driven by Larl down to Nathan Phillips Square to play shinny at 10 p.m. sometimes until after midnight. Karl's pride in his children and his unusual dedication to their success comes though in the book. The writing itself is average - workmanlike but it suffices to tell the story.
December 28, 2024
Great advice from Mister Karl Subban.
April 13, 2022
Title:
How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life
Author: Karl Subban & Scott Colby
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 3.0
Pub Date: October 3, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Interesting • Motivational • Dry
📖 S Y N O P S I S
How We Did It is Karl's Subban guidebook on raising his five children (three of which would one day play in the NHL), being a successful coach and principal, and succeeding in marriage and life. Chronicling their hockey journey and the lessons he has learned along the way, this is meant to be a valuable tool for others to help children reach their full potential.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As an avid Habs fan, of course I wanted to pick this one up. Yet after reading it I am left feeling a little let down. How We Did It provides an inside glimpse into one of hockey's most prominent households, but it felt more self-help than memoir. And maybe that was the intent all along, but I wanted more about their family life, instead of their success. The writing is pretty basic, and at times it felt condescending and/or authoritative as if his way is the best, and only way.
I did enjoy the tidbits from various family members which are sprinkled throughout. And I could definitely see how Mr. Subban would be a great motivational speaker, but that didn't necessarily translate onto the page. Yes, there are some good lessons. Yes, the title says it all. No, this is what I was expecting. Overall, this was an okay read but it definitely didn't blow me away, and maybe I was looking for something a little different.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hockey fans
• Coaches
⚠️ CW: racial slurs, racism
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"As a Toronto public school principal, I would often give a room of students a simple proposition: 'Anyone who wants to be better, raise your hand.' Every hand shot up. That should come as no surprise-every child wants to be better. The problem is too many don't believe they can be."
"I see each person carrying a gift inside them that they are born with, and that gift is their potential."
Author: Karl Subban & Scott Colby
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 3.0
Pub Date: October 3, 2017
T H R E E • W O R D S
Interesting • Motivational • Dry
📖 S Y N O P S I S
How We Did It is Karl's Subban guidebook on raising his five children (three of which would one day play in the NHL), being a successful coach and principal, and succeeding in marriage and life. Chronicling their hockey journey and the lessons he has learned along the way, this is meant to be a valuable tool for others to help children reach their full potential.
💭 T H O U G H T S
As an avid Habs fan, of course I wanted to pick this one up. Yet after reading it I am left feeling a little let down. How We Did It provides an inside glimpse into one of hockey's most prominent households, but it felt more self-help than memoir. And maybe that was the intent all along, but I wanted more about their family life, instead of their success. The writing is pretty basic, and at times it felt condescending and/or authoritative as if his way is the best, and only way.
I did enjoy the tidbits from various family members which are sprinkled throughout. And I could definitely see how Mr. Subban would be a great motivational speaker, but that didn't necessarily translate onto the page. Yes, there are some good lessons. Yes, the title says it all. No, this is what I was expecting. Overall, this was an okay read but it definitely didn't blow me away, and maybe I was looking for something a little different.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hockey fans
• Coaches
⚠️ CW: racial slurs, racism
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"As a Toronto public school principal, I would often give a room of students a simple proposition: 'Anyone who wants to be better, raise your hand.' Every hand shot up. That should come as no surprise-every child wants to be better. The problem is too many don't believe they can be."
"I see each person carrying a gift inside them that they are born with, and that gift is their potential."
February 23, 2018
I found the writing dry even though there were some good stories in there. I enjoyed the part about his move from Jamaica to Canada and his subsequent adjustment to the differences.
October 6, 2017
“How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a motivational look at the life of an inspirational father, retired educator and coach who rose from humble beginnings in Jamaica to become a school principal dedicated to inspiring others to follow their dreams and become the people they’re intended to be. In a supportive, stimulating environment with a focus on excellence he encouraged his five children to pursue their goals; his talented two girls becoming teachers with the Toronto District School Board and his three sons with their love of hockey, drafted to the NHL.
Well-written the book includes a mix of personal stories which encompass the family's earliest beginnings in their hockey journey to the NHL while woven in are priceless insights about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment. Blended into Karl's memoir are contributions by his wife Maria and his family as well as lots of pictures, giving the reader a close look at this remarkably skilled motivator. This book is a must-read for educators, coaches and mentors who work so hard to promote excellence in students and athletes, and especially for the young people of today who want to be successful in following their dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed “How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life”, a memoir that will inspire young people looking towards their future. I'm going to ensure it's well-read and has a special place in my local library.
Well-written the book includes a mix of personal stories which encompass the family's earliest beginnings in their hockey journey to the NHL while woven in are priceless insights about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment. Blended into Karl's memoir are contributions by his wife Maria and his family as well as lots of pictures, giving the reader a close look at this remarkably skilled motivator. This book is a must-read for educators, coaches and mentors who work so hard to promote excellence in students and athletes, and especially for the young people of today who want to be successful in following their dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed “How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life”, a memoir that will inspire young people looking towards their future. I'm going to ensure it's well-read and has a special place in my local library.
October 23, 2017
“How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a motivational look at the life of an inspirational father, retired educator and coach who rose from humble beginnings in Jamaica to become a school principal dedicated to inspiring others to follow their dreams and become the people they’re intended to be. In a supportive, stimulating environment with a focus on excellence he encouraged his five children to pursue their goals; his talented two girls becoming teachers with the Toronto District School Board and his three sons with their love of hockey, drafted to the NHL.
Well-written the book includes a mix of personal stories which encompass the family's earliest beginnings in their hockey journey to the NHL while woven in are priceless insights about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment. Blended into Karl's memoir are contributions by his wife Maria and his family as well as lots of pictures, giving the reader a close look at this remarkably skilled motivator. This book is a must-read for educators, coaches and mentors who work so hard to promote excellence in students and athletes, and especially for the young people of today who want to be successful in following their dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed “How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life”, a memoir that will inspire young people looking towards their future. I'm going to ensure it's well-read and has a special place in my local library
Well-written the book includes a mix of personal stories which encompass the family's earliest beginnings in their hockey journey to the NHL while woven in are priceless insights about goal-setting, perseverance and accomplishment. Blended into Karl's memoir are contributions by his wife Maria and his family as well as lots of pictures, giving the reader a close look at this remarkably skilled motivator. This book is a must-read for educators, coaches and mentors who work so hard to promote excellence in students and athletes, and especially for the young people of today who want to be successful in following their dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed “How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life”, a memoir that will inspire young people looking towards their future. I'm going to ensure it's well-read and has a special place in my local library
January 6, 2023
Karl Subban is the father of three NHL players. In his book “How we did it,” he shares his family’s recipe to success in school, hockey, and life. Although Karl loved sports and had an affinity for hockey and basketball, he decided to pursue teaching, eventually becoming a principal. Karl’s philosophy was believing in the untapped potential of his students, even when they didn’t believe in themselves.
Karl applied this to raising his own 5 kids. Even at a young age, it was evident that P.K. had a special talent for hockey, but the window of making it to the NHL was slim. In 1985, out of 22,000 ten-year-old boys who played hockey in Ontario, only 7 made it to the NHL (Campbell, 1985). Helping his 3 boys pursue their NHL dreams gave each of them focus and discipline and helped them develop skills that were needed for life’s challenges. But we never hear about the sacrifices that are made along the way, by the parents, kids, or community. Although we’ll never know how much effort, practice, training & determination is required to make it to the NHL, Karl shares some of the ingredients needed for a successful recipe.
As a hockey mom, I appreciated Karl’s humility and honesty in his book. He covers topics such as racism, philanthropy, immigration, and the many setbacks the family endured. Occasionally, his 5 kids narrate certain sections, which provides multiple perspectives and helps the developing story. If you’re a parent, coach, or educator, you’ll love the nuggets of inspiration and wisdom weaved into Karl’s storytelling.
Karl applied this to raising his own 5 kids. Even at a young age, it was evident that P.K. had a special talent for hockey, but the window of making it to the NHL was slim. In 1985, out of 22,000 ten-year-old boys who played hockey in Ontario, only 7 made it to the NHL (Campbell, 1985). Helping his 3 boys pursue their NHL dreams gave each of them focus and discipline and helped them develop skills that were needed for life’s challenges. But we never hear about the sacrifices that are made along the way, by the parents, kids, or community. Although we’ll never know how much effort, practice, training & determination is required to make it to the NHL, Karl shares some of the ingredients needed for a successful recipe.
As a hockey mom, I appreciated Karl’s humility and honesty in his book. He covers topics such as racism, philanthropy, immigration, and the many setbacks the family endured. Occasionally, his 5 kids narrate certain sections, which provides multiple perspectives and helps the developing story. If you’re a parent, coach, or educator, you’ll love the nuggets of inspiration and wisdom weaved into Karl’s storytelling.
July 6, 2020
What an inspiring story on how to be a parent, school official, and manage hockey heirs.
"We would tolerate his playing-until he decided to become his own referee. Jordan would get his hands on a whistle-an item that wasn't hard to find in the home of a principal and coach-and that would be it for any hope of a weekend lie-in for Subbans young and older." (141)
I'm not sure why this image had me flat out laughing, other than it being hilarious.
The story is amazing, the read is a bit stiff, and the lack of picture quality is a bit confusing-perhaps P.K. gave all his money to the hospital?
Early on, my jaw dropped at the notion that a man would ask Karl to impregnate his wife because he thought it would be his best chance of also getting a hockey heir (I mean, it's pretty amazing to have a hat trick of loinfruits), and I admit that I assumed the family was Haitian and not Jamaican (ducks). I'm impressed by the commitment to the childrens' passions while also staying focused on their own, and I love the fact that the kids trashed the house so the parents didn't replace any furniture.
This is the Canadian royalty that we should all acknowledge. Shoutout to A Different Booklist for hipping me to the existence of this book.
"We would tolerate his playing-until he decided to become his own referee. Jordan would get his hands on a whistle-an item that wasn't hard to find in the home of a principal and coach-and that would be it for any hope of a weekend lie-in for Subbans young and older." (141)
I'm not sure why this image had me flat out laughing, other than it being hilarious.
The story is amazing, the read is a bit stiff, and the lack of picture quality is a bit confusing-perhaps P.K. gave all his money to the hospital?
Early on, my jaw dropped at the notion that a man would ask Karl to impregnate his wife because he thought it would be his best chance of also getting a hockey heir (I mean, it's pretty amazing to have a hat trick of loinfruits), and I admit that I assumed the family was Haitian and not Jamaican (ducks). I'm impressed by the commitment to the childrens' passions while also staying focused on their own, and I love the fact that the kids trashed the house so the parents didn't replace any furniture.
This is the Canadian royalty that we should all acknowledge. Shoutout to A Different Booklist for hipping me to the existence of this book.
December 9, 2025
I very much enjoyed this motivating book. Karl's own background is interesting, as were some of the insights into his children. But mostly this book seeks to reassure you, as a parent, that you are the cornerstone of your children and very well should be the voice in the back of their mind. Your job is to set the expectations that they will have a dream and then support them every small step to get there so they are successful in LIFE, not just a job or lofty goal like the NHL. I liked the input from the kids, and the inclusion of a former student's poem but it was his last line of the book that drives it home "and I'll be in the stands, cheering for you."
Excellent parenting/teacher book. If you are looking for a dish on his famous kids, you won't find it.
p.9 "Develop your kids potential" (not reach - every day you keep trying)
p96 "what kids love is the time spent with you"
p202 "your love and emotional support is needed. if they don't feel safe they will be paralyzed by fear and won't take risks. Fear of failure is a powerful dream killer."
p205 "don't give anything permission to be a distraction and keep you from your goal"
p254 from P.K: "Making a wrong decision doesn't mean your life is over. What is your goal?" you must execute it - not your parents.
Excellent parenting/teacher book. If you are looking for a dish on his famous kids, you won't find it.
p.9 "Develop your kids potential" (not reach - every day you keep trying)
p96 "what kids love is the time spent with you"
p202 "your love and emotional support is needed. if they don't feel safe they will be paralyzed by fear and won't take risks. Fear of failure is a powerful dream killer."
p205 "don't give anything permission to be a distraction and keep you from your goal"
p254 from P.K: "Making a wrong decision doesn't mean your life is over. What is your goal?" you must execute it - not your parents.
September 13, 2017
I love the game of hockey and have enjoyed following PK Subban's career, so I was excited to hear that his father had a book being published. I enjoyed reading this book even though I do not have anyone in my family who is looking to be a successful hockey player.
The title of the book really describes what this book is. It is the story of the Subban family and how they have achieved various goals in their lives. It chronicles Karl's life from a child to husband, teacher, coach and parent. Anecdotes and stories from all parts of his life are used to illustrate the importance of setting goals, and staying motivated and committed to achieving success. It is about finding what you love and then doing what you need to - practising, training, working with others.
I respect his commitment to family and to supporting each child while also ensuring they know the expectations for them. This book is not just about hockey - it's about finding success in whatever you choose.
The book is easy to read with lots of contributions from all of the family and great family photos. I enjoyed it and was reminded of some important lessons as well.
The title of the book really describes what this book is. It is the story of the Subban family and how they have achieved various goals in their lives. It chronicles Karl's life from a child to husband, teacher, coach and parent. Anecdotes and stories from all parts of his life are used to illustrate the importance of setting goals, and staying motivated and committed to achieving success. It is about finding what you love and then doing what you need to - practising, training, working with others.
I respect his commitment to family and to supporting each child while also ensuring they know the expectations for them. This book is not just about hockey - it's about finding success in whatever you choose.
The book is easy to read with lots of contributions from all of the family and great family photos. I enjoyed it and was reminded of some important lessons as well.
October 30, 2017
A solid memoir about a hockey family - a family of Jamaican origin where both parents came from Jamaica and did not grow up with hockey. Now three members of the Subban family are in the NHL and PK the eldest has won the Norris trophy for being the best defense-man in the league. Yes, PK (and his brothers too ) have faced discrimination and the occasional N word but they have been classy about it as their parents taught them. So, what is the Subban family's formula for success? Neither Karl nor his wife Maria had a sense of entitlement. They believed one had to have dreams and work very hard to achieve these dreams. They supported their sons and their two daughters in their dreams and they have been widely successful. Karl himself wanted to play Basketball in the NBA but didn't make the cut. He went to plan B and worked hard to become a teacher and then a Principal. He succeeded in these too and now he is a highly rated public speaker. All these exploits make for interesting reading and makes the book an excellent read.
December 29, 2017
I think this is a good book to read for young parents who are trying to decide how committed they want their kids to be to sports. While Subban at times seems to give the impression that all you need do is to let your kids decide what they want to do and be a good, supportive, and loving parent along the way in order for them to become successful. This isn't true, and while I think the book covers this, it isn't as obvious as should be. There are a lot of factors that come together to get a child to the NHL (or national team, or even PeeWee 1 for that matter) and just being a supportive but demanding parent isn't all (in my opinion as a former hockey parent).
It's an interesting book, as an autobiography, but I don't think it is a revelatory parenting book that will guarantee all of your kids will become wildly successful and famous.
It's an interesting book, as an autobiography, but I don't think it is a revelatory parenting book that will guarantee all of your kids will become wildly successful and famous.
October 29, 2017
Maria and Carl have five children. Their family has extraordinary athletic ability that led three sons to play in the National Hockey League. This inspiring books looks at how hockey affected one minority couple move from Jamaica to Canada. Their tale is one of perseverance, overcoming challenges and hard work. Lessons on how to set goals, develop plans, and work with people. Their story recognizes how hockey injuries and a stereotype that minorities cannot skate affected relationships with coaches and other hockey parents. The story will resonate with hockey players and their families. Parents and educators will enjoy the uplifting messages.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 23, 2025
I was with him at first... background into his early life... interesting enough.
Then I realized two things:
1. He was never going to really talk about the boys themselves. It's all about him.
2. He would wake his kindergarden aged son up at 10pm to skate until 1 or 2am on school nights. This is NUTS. A few pages later, he made his young son play a game when he was very sick with the flu. That was it. I'm out. If this is how he is coaching his 6 year old, I can only imagine where it goes from here. DNF
Then I realized two things:
1. He was never going to really talk about the boys themselves. It's all about him.
2. He would wake his kindergarden aged son up at 10pm to skate until 1 or 2am on school nights. This is NUTS. A few pages later, he made his young son play a game when he was very sick with the flu. That was it. I'm out. If this is how he is coaching his 6 year old, I can only imagine where it goes from here. DNF
November 21, 2017
Very inspirational book about setting high standards for your children and how to reach those goals. I think it is common for immigrants to want to work hard to prove that their children can be successful in this country, and I admire them for that. This is a good book for any sports parent or educator to read.
August 20, 2018
I bought this book in order to understand better how excellence is created. I liked the fact that Mr. Subban attributed not only hard work but enjoyment of the sport and family time as ingredients to success. I especially enjoyed the fact that he talks about Sudbury (my home town) and Belleville (the area where I now live).
September 22, 2017
wow , i win this book,
very interesting read ,a beautiful man , that dedicate his life for raising his children's.
to be hokey players and good peoples , love the stories , he live in Sudbury were i live now make it more interesting.
good job Mr Karl Subban .
very interesting read ,a beautiful man , that dedicate his life for raising his children's.
to be hokey players and good peoples , love the stories , he live in Sudbury were i live now make it more interesting.
good job Mr Karl Subban .
August 2, 2018
Amazing book. Of the best I've ever read. Karl gives good advice and talks about his struggles and how he and his family accomplished so much. After reading this book, I respect the Subban family much more then I already did. A great read and highly recommended.
June 17, 2020
This book is an inspiration. The Subban family and in particular, Karl Subban makes a great example of his life for others to take from and adapt to their own situation. I highly recommend reading this if you have children or a will to teach.
September 27, 2022
It was very cool to read this book right after PK announced his retirement and learn all about his upbringing and his life. However, I do not enjoy reading books written by fathers about their professional athlete children.
April 4, 2024
A brilliant book that all can learn from as it simplifies the challenges of finding your purpose, passion and plan to live with heart.
Full review at https://sarahbutland.com/blog/2024/04...
Full review at https://sarahbutland.com/blog/2024/04...
October 1, 2017
A very entertaining read. I would recommend it to both parents and athletes or educators.
October 26, 2017
Interesting, especially the comments from his five children.
December 29, 2017
The lessons and moral views provided by Karl Subban in How We Did It is exactly what our society needs right now.
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