Blashill delivers virtual commencement address to graduating seniors
Red Wings coach spoke to Class of 2020 at De La Salle Collegiate in Michigan
ByPat Pickens @Pat_Pickens / NHL.com Staff Writer
The senior class at De La Salle Collegiate High School didn't get a graduation ceremony, but they still received sage advice from their commencement speaker, Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill.
Blashill delivered words of wisdom to the Class of 2020 on their virtual graduation ceremony that was shared to YouTube on Saturday. He addressed the looming uncertainty and encouraged the boys from the Warren, Michigan-based school, where Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser attended, to be brave.
— De La Salle Collegiate (@delasallehs) May 17, 2020
"COVID-19 has brought unprecedented times to our doorstep," Blashill said. "It has robbed you of some great life experiences, but turbulence is part of life, and no doubt you will face it in your future. The question you have to answer now is when you get knocked down, will you get back up?"
He also suggested the outgoing seniors strive for growth.
"Turbulent times are also great opportunities to learn and to grow, to strengthen your faith and to gain perspective on what's truly important in life," Blashill said. "Don't waste one day to be the best version of yourself. Never compare yourself to others. Be the best you."
He closed by pushing the students to chase their dreams and work hard to achieve them.
"Live your life with an 'earn this' philosophy," he said. "Wake up every day trying to earn the great opportunities you have in life. You are not entitled to anything in this life. You simply get what you earn. Wake up and earn it."
