Paul Stewart

Goal Setting Expert, Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee, Former NHL Referee and Enforcer, Cancer Survivor & Author of "Ya Wanna Go?",

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Boston, MA, USA
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Paul Stewart Biography

US Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee Paul Stewart has a lifetime of experience defying the odds.

As a young boy, Paul had one goal: to make professional hockey his life’s work. To make that dream a reality, Paul has had to refuse to take no for an answer. He’s had to believe in himself even when others did not, and he’s had to learn to perpetually reinvent himself to deliver what the world of professional hockey needed.

As an NHL enforcer with record penalty minutes per game and a reputation for toughness, Paul was to some unlikely choice for his second career–an NHL Referee. From racking up penalties to handing them out, Paul achieved the incredible goal of reffing over 1,000 games in the NHL during his career. Perhaps most amazing, he did so after a battle against Stage 4 colorectal cancer. As a cancer patient, Paul brought his trademark grit and determination to his own recovery. Receiving a diagnosis not even 12 hours after the birth of his first son, Paul was faced with a choice: he could either accept the grim prognosis, or he could do what he’s always done: fight like hell, with the support of the very best team he could assemble.

Paul’s story is a unique one. Delivering a poignant message of what it takes to meet your goals--grit, tenacity, teamwork, a willingness to reassess your own successes and failures--Paul inspires and brings out the best in his audiences. His message of grit, the power of reinvention, and the value of teamwork resonate worldwide and across industries.

The first American to referee more than 1,000 NHL regular-season games, Paul Stewart is one of the most respected officials to ever lace up the skates. He still stands today as the only American who played and refereed in the NHL after skating in 21 games with the Quebec Nordiques during the 1979-80 season.

Paul has served as an ambassador for the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer campaign from 1999-2008, helping raise support and money for national and local cancer research institutes, children’s hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations.

His love for growing the game goes beyond his work with Hockey Fights Cancer. He has served as director of the Bill Stewart Foundation for more than 20 years, helping raise money for inner city youth sports. A portion of all of the sales of his book, “:Ya Wanna Go” are donated annually to the Willie O’Ree Foundation, to support hockey in underserved urban areas.

Stewart was the recipient of the coveted National Association of Sports Officials Gold Whistle Award in 2001, recognizing an individual who has made tremendous contributions to his or her community and has experienced a successful officiating career. After a career filled with North American hockey, Stewart rounded out his journey as chair of officiating and advisor for discipline in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) from 2012-2015.

He writes a regular blog for HockeyBuzz.com and is a features guest speaker throughout New England.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/01/2024.

Paul Stewart Speaking Topics

  • Grit and The Power of Adapting: Rolling With the Punches

    In hockey, the goals are the goal--scoring them, blocking them, making sure that you achieve yours before time runs out. The goal of getting goals is a job many people covet, but few ever attain. Paul Stewart, by many accounts, did not have what it took to be a professional hockey player. Cut from his college team, Paul was discouraged but undeterred. He regrouped and tried out for a professional hockey team where he quickly proved his value. Where Paul’s hands were less suited for scoring goals, they were extraordinarily suited for the role he took on--enforcer. Paul racked up record penalty minutes per game, both in the minor leagues and eventually in the NHL, culminating in a legend night where he alone took on three of the NHL’s toughest tough guys. Paul had a goal--playing in the NHL--and decided he would do whatever it took to get there. If his team needed tough guys, he decided he’d be the toughest and trained himself night and day to fill this role.

    But the role of an enforcer is by its nature not a permanent position. As Paul lost ground in the NHL, he began to look for alternative ways to remain in the world of professional hockey. Referencing his roots, Paul decided to switch teams--from being the guy who accumulated all of the penalties, he decided to become the guy handing them out. Paul went on to have an extraordinary career as an NHL referee, reffing not only the prestigious Canada Cup games, but also refereeing several Stanley Cup games during his career. At the apex of his career as a referee, however, Paul was dealt the most devastating blow of of his life--a Stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. The chances for living were grim; the chances for returning to the game were zero.

    In spite of this, Paul defied the odds and not only survived cancer, but made it back to the NHL as a referee. He went on to ref over 1,000 games in the NHL and received a welcome most refs dare not even dream of: in his first game back from his cancer treastments, Paul received a standing ovation from players and fans alike.

    In life and in business, blows are dealt all of the time. People face setbacks, frustrations and seemingly impossible circumstances that seem to prevent them from reaching their goals. Triumphing in the face of bad odds, however, is Paul’s specialty. The value of tenacity and grit--digging deep inside of oneself to fulfill your own potential is his life story. In Paul’s inspirational talks, you can see your ability to choose your own course, even by charting a new one--takes determination and a willingness to absorb some punches along the way. It highlights the value of surrounding yourself with the best possible teammates, who understand that you are partners in a team working towards a shared goal.

    Attendee Results:

    • Learn to use rejection and setbacks as fodder for increased efforts
    • Understand the need to reassess your path to your actual goal when everything else has failed
    • Understand the value in filling even less desirable jobs within your organization
    • Experience what the human experience is by means of a moving and powerful example.
    • Learn the true meaning of “grit” and what that looks like when you are at the end of your obvious resources
    • Observe the realm of possibilities that exist for reaching your goals ones you reassess your path

Paul Stewart Videos

  • Paul Stewart: Public Speaking
    An overview of the vast career and personal experience of Paul Stewart, Us Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2019. From NHL enforcer to rule enforcer to...

Paul Stewart Books

  • Ya Wanna Go?
    Ya Wanna Go?

FAQs on booking Paul Stewart

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  • What topics does Paul Stewart speak about?

    Paul Stewart is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Cancer, Hockey, Human Resources, Inspirational, Mindset, Personal Growth, Resilience, Self-Improvement, Sports, Sports Motivation, Teamwork & Teambuilding.
  • Where does Paul Stewart travel from?

    Paul Stewart generally travels from Boston, MA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Paul Stewart for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Paul Stewart for your next private or corporate function.
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Paul Stewart is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Grit and The Power of Adapting: Rolling With the Punches. The estimated speaking fee range to book Paul Stewart for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. Paul Stewart generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Vince Papale, Jim Morris, Rocky Bleier, Dave Dravecky and Mike Eruzione. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Paul Stewart for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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