After each home game, Bryan Rust, a professional hockey player, organizes meet-and-greet sessions with young individuals who stutter and their families from the Friends community. This initiative has inspired others beyond Pittsburgh, including Ducks forward Leo Carlsson, who started a similar program in Anaheim.
Rust expressed pride in this development: “I think for me, I’m really proud of that. It’s something that was kind of my goal through this, to hopefully get a few more conversations started and a few more people getting involved.”
Before Carlsson was selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Ducks, Rust advised him on handling media demands. Rust said, “He was obviously a very high draft pick, so there were quite a few cameras on him… Just keep doing it. Keep talking. Just keep being you.”
Both players shared their experiences with Liam Niel, a young fan from Friends after Pittsburgh’s game in Anaheim last season. Despite an injury during the game, Rust joined Carlsson to speak with Liam about their challenges with stuttering.
Rust recounted his school experiences: “As I got older… Even if it was the worst day ever… I went out there and I just tried to get better and better.” Carlsson shared similar struggles: “And talk slow. That was my problem when I was growing up.”
When asked about bullying due to their stutters, Carlsson felt fortunate while Rust admitted facing some challenges but learned to cope with them over time.
Rust benefited from observing his brother Matt’s speech therapy sessions: “Because every time I go [to therapy], I would talk perfectly.” He applied techniques he learned from Matt when needed.
Drafted by the Penguins in 2010, Rust faced many interviews during his career. Reflecting on past interviews he said: “I’ve seen some old YouTube interviews that are… they’re painful to watch.” Yet he persisted in practicing and improving his communication skills.
Rust emphasized not letting his stutter define him professionally: “I wasn’t going to let that define me as oh, this guy’s not going to do media because of this.”
He hopes his example helps kids he meets through Friends gain confidence despite speech impediments: “When you’re growing up… It’s something that can really hurt a kid’s confidence.”
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