A young left hander has taken his inspirational speeches from the hockey dressing room to Hollywood.
7-year-old Callan Perks’ motivational words made Ellen DeGeneres emotional on The Ellen Show. He told Ellen, “For 19 seasons, you have given your all on this stage. So, when it’s time to say goodbye and turn off the lights, just remember that you, Ellen, will always get the W because you have given whatever it takes to be you. So, just keeping working hard and staying positive and making people laugh. Because you are a legend.” Ellen is in her final season of her talk show.
Ellen replied, “I know a lot of fancy people…and what you just said to me means more to me than what I can possibly convey to you. That was the sweetest. I don’t even know you, but you are just a special little being with such a big heart and I thank you for that.”
Earlier, Coach Cal told Ellen,
“I always want to think positive. So, even if you’re having a bad day, just go out there and get the W, no matter what time. You just have to stay comfortable. You always just going to stay positive, and just do all that good stuff and it will happen.”
He added that “Get the W”, which in sports means get the win, is a good line to get people motivated.
Canadians became aware of Coach Cal when the then 6-year-old delivered a pre-game pep talk to a junior hockey team in Ontario, Canada, one of the best motivational speeches we have heard. He told the team of 16- to 20-year-olds, “Legends are made every day and you can be one of the greats.” The Peterborough Petes won their game that afternoon, 3-2 over Ottawa.
Coach Cal won a contest to participate in the “Next Gen Game” of the Ontario Hockey League team on November 28, 2021 after submitting this audition video. This was a chance for young children to win a one-day contract to work with the Petes.
Since his pre-game speech in November, the left-handed Coach Cal has appeared on several national television shows in Canada and the United States.
He told Newsweek, “I have decided that I want to be an NHL player until I'm 45 and then I want to be a head coach. I just want to stick with hockey.”
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And is message to all of us, “You can all get the W, whether it’s hockey or any other passion. Just be positive and keep smiling, and always work hard as a team. Let’s go guys!”
Coach Cal has captured the hearts of many fans of The Ellen Show. People on Twitter have said:
“Omg I love this little guy! He is wise beyond his years and I too love you Ellen. I echo his sentiments. He had me in tears."
"The pure joy and innocence in the delivery of this heartfelt message brought many of us to tears. What a special gift to you Ellen and all so well deserved."
"That was the sweetest motivational speech in your honor! That little guy is going places. We all need to try a little harder to get the W, because if we did, our world would be a much better place."
