NEW YORK — Ryan Warsofsky bestowed a legendary moment upon a recreational goaltender.
Goaltender Harold Robinson simply wanted to change in his usual locker room at Chelsea Piers. However, due to shared facilities, the San Jose Sharks, preparing for practice, were occupying the space alongside him.
“When I exited the locker room to head over to Chelsea open hockey [at another rink], one of the [San Jose Sharks] equipment managers turned and said to me, ‘Coach wants you to get on the ice,’” Robinson recounted to San Jose Hockey Now. “I looked at him, you’ve got to be kidding me?”
Unexpectedly, the 65-year-old netminder found himself facing shots from an NHL team on a random Wednesday afternoon.
Sharks are sharing Chelsea Piers locker room with adult rec players, no private locker room here, this goalie asked to come out and take a couple shots from the big boys pic.twitter.com/XTznpEzsxD
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) November 13, 2024
The experience surpassed expectations: Warsofsky also requested Robinson to address the Sharks, formally introducing himself.
“I’m standing here with a professional hockey team, talking about myself,” Robinson said, ”and there are all these fantastic players on this promising team.”
The Chelsea Fitness personal trainer—born and raised in New York City and a lifelong New York Rangers fan—has spent 25 years tending goal at Chelsea Piers.
# From Rec League to NHL: Goalie Harold Robinson’s Dream Day with the San Jose Sharks
## A Story of Passion and Perseverance
Harold Robinson never dreamed he’d be standing on the ice at SAP Center, facing off against NHL superstars. A lifelong hockey enthusiast who honed his skills in local **recreational leagues**, his journey to this improbable moment was a testament to dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion.
### The Road Less Traveled: From Rink Rats to Real Dreams
Growing up, Harold lived and breathed hockey. Every spare moment was spent at the rink, perfecting his puck-handling skills and developing an intense love for the game. While some of his friends gravitated towards other sports or activities, Harold remained steadfast in his pursuit of hockey excellence.
His journey wasn’t paved with scholarships and professional training camps; it was a path forged through countless hours of practice, scrimmaging with friends, and enduring the inevitable setbacks that come with pursuing a seemingly impossible dream. He played in local **youth leagues**, then transitioned to **adult leagues**, consistently improving his game and earning the respect of his teammates and opponents.
## The Unexpected Invitation: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Harold’s unwavering dedication eventually caught the eye of someone special – a scout from the San Jose Sharks. This unexpected invitation opened the door to an unimaginable opportunity: a chance to participate in a **practice session with the NHL team**.
He was ecstatic, but also acutely aware of the magnitude of this moment. He knew he had to seize this chance and demonstrate everything he’d learned throughout his journey.
| **Harold’s Preparation:** |
|—|—|
| Months of intensive training and conditioning |
| Film study of the Sharks’ play style and top players |
| Visualization techniques to mentally prepare for the experience |
### Taking the Ice: A Dream Come True
Stepping onto the SAP Center ice, Harold couldn’t believe his eyes. The familiar roar of the crowd was replaced by an electrifying buzz, and the pristine playing surface seemed even more vibrant than he imagined. He felt a mixture of awe, nerves, and sheer exhilaration.
His practice session with the Sharks was a blur of adrenaline-fueled action. He faced off against some of the best skaters in the world, demonstrating his agility, reflexes, and unwavering determination.
The experience wasn’t just about showcasing his skills; it was about soaking up every moment of this incredible opportunity. He learned from seasoned professionals, exchanged stories with players he admired, and built connections that would last a lifetime.
## Passing on the Torch: Inspiring Future Generations
Harold’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It demonstrates that with unwavering dedication, a passion for the sport, and a willingness to work tirelessly, even the most ambitious dreams can come true.
He now actively participates in youth hockey programs, sharing his experience and knowledge with young players who dream of following in his footsteps. His message is simple:
* Never give up on your passions.
* Embrace every opportunity for growth and learning.
* Be kind, respectful, and supportive of your teammates.
Harold Robinson’s journey from **recreational leagues** to the NHL ice is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. His story reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities can lead us to extraordinary experiences.
