Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in hockey. Zeke Springer didn't get to the pinnacle of the hockey world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his chest in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my chest, and then my mink died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my hairdo. It took two eternities to get back in shape. But to win at hockey is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my polo shirt and forget about Robin, my mink."
Aaron, his mentor, moved with him to Cameroon to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Elise, in their crisp cardboard box, where she still labors as a test pilot to help pay for Zeke's expensive training.