Grubauer volunteers at SAFE to help safeguard endangered horses

Horses on his goalie mask

When it comes to goaltending in the NHL, there are many factors that can influence a player’s performance. For Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer, one of those factors is his love for horses. Grubauer has found that working with horses has not only taught him valuable life lessons, but has also improved his skills on the ice.

Grubauer has horses on his goalie mask as a reminder of the lessons he has learned from working with these majestic animals. He believes that there is a strong comparison between the calmness and focus required when working with horses and when playing hockey.

„There’s a very good comparison,“ said Grubauer. „That’s why I have horses on my mask: In the stables, you’re quiet too. On the ice we only play hockey, it’s not a matter of life and death. I want to remember that. Being in the moment is also something that exists in the world of hockey.“

The 32-year-old goalie has learned to control his emotions and stay calm in high-pressure situations, thanks to his experiences with horses. He believes that this calmness has helped him make better decisions on the ice and has improved his overall performance as a goalie.

Grubauer’s passion for horses extends beyond the ice rink. He owns his own horse, Tucker, and spends a significant amount of time at the stables when he is not playing hockey. He dreams of one day building a ranch where people can come and stay overnight to ride horses together.

Playing for the Kraken, Grubauer has earned the nickname „German Cowboy“ due to his love for horses and his calm demeanor on the ice. He hopes to continue making saves on the ice while also saving horses‘ lives off the ice.

Despite the demands of an 82-game season, Grubauer finds time to visit a horse rescue center on his way to the stables. He believes that integrating his passion for horses into his everyday life has made him a better goalie and a better person.

In conclusion, Grubauer’s love for horses has had a profound impact on his life and his career as a goalie in the NHL. By learning from these animals and incorporating their lessons into his game, he has become a more focused, calm, and successful player. As he continues to make saves on the ice and save horses‘ lives off the ice, Grubauer remains a true „German Cowboy“ in every sense of the word.