Articles / Spencer Carbery takes reading inspiration from outside of sports: ‘I’m more of a business book person’

Spencer Carbery takes reading inspiration from outside of sports: ‘I’m more of a business book person’

R
RMNB
Oct 10, 2025 4:02 PM

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In an engaging deep dive, Spencer Carbery shares insights into his favorite book, "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. This book emphasizes embracing challenges, a philosophy Carbery has woven into his coaching style with the Washington Capitals. As he prepares the team for the upcoming season, Carbery draws parallels between the lessons in the book and the resilience required in the NHL.

Carbery reflects on the importance of mental toughness, particularly in the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of professional hockey. He believes that players like Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov can benefit from this mindset, especially during tough stretches of the season. The lessons from Holiday's work resonate well with the struggles athletes face, making it a fitting read for those in sports.

In addition, Carbery discusses how the principles of "The Obstacle Is the Way" not only help in overcoming personal challenges but also in fostering a strong team dynamic. He hopes that as the players embrace these ideas, they will cultivate a culture of perseverance and determination within the Capitals organization. This fresh coaching perspective aims to inspire players both on and off the ice as they embark on the new NHL season.