Rob Globke - surrendering professional aspirations
- Author
- The Gospel In The Game
- Published
- Fri 05 Sep 2025
- Episode Link
- None
What happens when God redirects your NHL dreams? For Rob Globke, former NHL player turned hockey chaplain, surrendering his professional aspirations led to an unexpected journey of purpose and fulfillment.
Growing up in Detroit as the oldest of five brothers, Globke's path seemed straightforward - excel at hockey and build a long NHL career. As a high second-round draft pick, everything pointed toward success on the ice. But God had different plans that would challenge conventional definitions of achievement and worth.
During his sophomore year of college, Globke encountered Hockey Ministries International through his agent's recommendation. At a camp in Windsor, Ontario, he experienced something transformative: the seamless integration of faith and hockey. "I was just blown away that never in my life had I seen hockey and the Christian message intertwined so well," he recalls. For someone accustomed to feeling like "the Christian guy on the team, kind of the oddball," this revelation proved life-changing.
The defining moment came during a 12-hour bus ride in Germany, lying on the floor with teammates' legs draped over him, listening to a sermon through foam headphones. Despite pursuing an MBA and having various career options, Globke felt an undeniable call to ministry that eventually led him to join Hockey Ministries International full-time after retiring from professional hockey.
Today, Globke serves as a chaplain, supporting athletes who struggle with identity tied to performance rather than inherent worth. "You are who you are because of what Christ has done for you, not what you can do," he explains, countering the prevailing mentality in professional sports. Through voluntary chapel programs, he creates spaces for players to explore life's deeper questions in comfortable, conversational settings.
What's your true source of identity? Join us as Rob Globke shares powerful insights about faith, purpose, and finding fulfillment beyond the scoreboard. Whether you're a hockey fan or someone searching for meaning beyond professional achievements, this conversation offers perspective-shifting wisdom about what truly matters.
