Hello and welcome to Between Two Dots, hosted by Hafiz Mitha and Gilbert Bong. As a highly accomplished and decorated professional hockey player, today’s guest, Dampy Brar, knows the value of hard work, dedication, and, a supportive community. He shares with Hafiz and Gilbert how the examples that his Indian immigrant parents and others in his neighborhood set throughout his life, combined with his passion for excelling in Hockey, led him to becoming a stand-out player in the IHL, ECHL, and WCHL where he played in three All-Star Games. Now retired, Dampy tells us about his commitment to Apna Hockey, a South Asian based Hockey network that he founded to connect and mentor South Asian Hockey talent, which has garnered him the prestigious Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. Join Hafiz, Gilbert, and Dampy for a conversation about what it means to pursue your passion while helping others pursue theirs.

“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”

Episode Highlights:

[0:57] Dampy describes the hard work and perseverance that it took for his parents to migrate from India to Canada.

[8:12] Dampy shares what life was like for him growing up in Sparwood, B.C., and how he developed his passion for hockey.

[10:06] “It did make you want to work harder and excel, too, to show them that we, as a community, can excel at these sports.” We learn how Dampy coped with being a minority in a typically caucasian sport, even in the face of blatant racism.

[20:16] “When they see a person like me who can speak the language and who understands the culture, it’s easier for the kids to listen and to get more love for the game.” Dampy discusses how his goal of giving more Southeast Asian children opportunities to play and learn about hockey led to him founding the Apna Hockey program.

[24:42] Dampy recounts how it felt to win the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, and his excitement over the new doors that the award is opening for Apna Hockey.

[31:34] We hear about the responsibility that Dampy feels to be a good role model.

[37:09] “When you have a responsibility, and wanting that responsibility, it doesn’t become work. It becomes a way of life.” Dampy describes how he stays focused on his goals with so many irons in the fire.

[40:39] “Just keep going.” Dampy shares the widsom that he would like to impart upon his son/younger self.

Connect with Dampy and Apna Hockey:

IG: @dampy.brar

Apna Hockey IG: @apnahockey

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies