A few weeks ago it seemed unlikely that Bobby Robins would have a chance of making the Boston Bruins opening day roster. But Bobby Robins has been used to beating the odds and working for what he wants.
After being invited to training camp, he showed up prepared and fit as he was determined to work hard and prove to the Bruins that he could play at the NHL level.
He plays the style of hockey that the B’s are looking for. He’s big, tough, and won’t let anyone out there on the ice push him around. He’s not afraid to throw punches and that’s exactly what he did on opening night at the TD Garden against the Flyers. Robins dropped the gloves in his first NHL game against Luke Schenn. He’s turned many people’s heads and made a name for himself even just after playing just two games in the NHL.
Robins has battled adversity. He’s traveled down a long road of hard work to get to the level he is now at. In a recent post on his blog, he goes into detail about the problems he faced while being addicted to chewing tobacco and nicotine. He was chewing up to two cans of tobacco a day at 28 years old. He had been addicted for about 11 years.
When Robins puts his mind to something, he has the ability to do anything he wants. That’s what happened when he quit chewing and relying on nicotine. He details how difficult it was for him in his blog post titled “Metamorphosis.” But, Robins was driven. He knew what damage could be done from the drug after discovering a nasty looking and bloody molar in the back of his mouth and knew at that moment he must quit.
He stopped. He forced himself back into shape. He set a goal for himself when he was five years old and it finally took light once more: He knew that he wanted to make it to the NHL one day, and that’s what he did. He became a new person, ready to take on his dreams and face what he feared. In his post, he talks about thinking positively. His head and body were clear from the tobacco and once that occurred, he was free. He believed in the mantra, “I can, I will.”
At camp this year, Robins impressed. He dazzled, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The forward flashed his spirit and energy, igniting the crowd as he challenged players during the pre-season to a good old-fashioned hockey brawl.
Something to like about Robins is his toughness. He’s now fearless, determined to work hard, and not going to back down. He embodies everything that a true Bruin stands for. He’s going to stand up for his teammates. He’ll throw his body around and toss big hits in your direction. He’ll fire up the crowd. He’s going to get under your skin if you do something he doesn’t like, and he’s going to provide offensive power.
The 32 year-old from Peshtigo, Wisconsin has now played two games in a Black and Gold sweater. His lifelong dream of playing in the NHL has been achieved but he wants to keep on going. He’s eyeing a career at this level as he hopes to stick around with the B’s this season and beyond.
Robins hasn’t showed everyone all of what he can do. He’ll be an exciting player to keep watching out for as he develops. If he continues on the fourth line, he’ll be a refreshing burst of energy alongside Daniel Paille. Together Robins, Paille, and Craig Cunningham led the team in hits on opening night with 11 from their line. Robins acquired a team-high five of those hits.
Bobby Robins can and he will do whatever he puts his mind to. He’ll prove to both the Bruins organization and their fans that he is capable of overcoming whatever odds lie in his path to keep on going.
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