Stoicism is a philosophy about love and about how we live our lives. It’s built for action. We’re constantly doing things, and in those moments, we find our individual choices. Those choices allow us to apply the virtues of temperance, justice, wisdom, and courage. They point us on the right path at the right speed.
Shoresy might seem like an odd place to start. The show has plenty of legitimate critics who point out the vulgarity, the misogyny, and the way it celebrates some of hockey’s more toxic traditions. At first glance, a character who spends his time “chirping” and acting crude seems like the opposite of a philosopher. But if you look past the surface level noise that defines the Sudbury Bulldogs, you’ll see a protagonist with a singular, disciplined focus on the present.
The environment is harsh, but Shoresy’s personal code mirrors a rugged interpretation of Stoic thought. He filters out everything he can’t control, like his lack of elite talent or his aging body. Instead, he masters the one thing he can: his own effort and how he responds to adversity.
Stoicism is the belief that while we can’t control the world, we can control our responses through the pursuit of virtue. These virtues—Temperance, Courage, Justice, and Wisdom—are the hinges of a well-lived life. In senior hockey, Shoresy translates these ancient principles into simple aphorisms: “Hardest worker out there,” “Find a way to contribute,” “Go where you are needed,” and “Set the tone.”
Hardest Worker Out There: The Virtue of Temperance
In the Stoic tradition, Temperance is self-control and the discipline to focus only on what is essential. It’s about navigating extremes and staying self-reliant. Shoresy’s mantra, “Hardest worker out there,” is the ultimate expression of this discipline.
He repeatedly emphasizes that while a player might lack natural talent, they have total control over their effort. When he’s mentoring the graduating Sudbury Lakers, he tells them bluntly that they can’t skate and they can’t shoot. He even tells them they’re ugly. But then he notes that none of that really matters. What counts is work ethic. He demands they be the hardest worker out there. For him, that’s the only path to being unforgettable.
Shoresy lives this virtue. He’s the first one to the rink and the last to leave. He also enforces a form of physical temperance on the team by demanding accountability in their personal lives. He orders his teammates to stay in the night before a game so they don’t lose their legs in the third period. This restraint is Stoic temperance in its purest form. It’s about governing the body through reason.
Find a Way to Contribute: The Virtue of Justice
Stoic Justice is a duty to the common good. It’s the belief that we aren’t born for ourselves alone. Shoresy’s demand to “Find a way to contribute” aligns with this principle of mutual interdependence.
He consistently pushes players to look beyond their individual stats. When Jack Webster can’t seem to score, Shoresy tells him he must find a way to help the team. If he isn’t scoring, he needs to play more physically to get in the game. Justice, for Shoresy, means playing for the logo on the front rather than the name on the back.
This sense of Justice extends to the community. Shoresy drives the Bulldogs’ philosophy of being “For the community, by the community.” He insists the players build a winning culture by learning the names of the arena staff, from the ticket window to the Zamboni driver. By treating everyone with respect, Shoresy demonstrates the Stoic virtue of extending regard to every person in the community.
Go Where You Are Needed: The Virtue of Wisdom
Wisdom is the ability to discern the right course of action and separate what’s in our control from what isn’t. Shoresy’s recurring advice to “Go where you are needed” serves as a compass for life’s transitions.
When Shoresy faces the end of his playing career due to concussions, he’s initially lost. His identity is tied to being a hockey player. However, wisdom dictates that he must accept the reality of his body failing him. By following the directive to go where he is needed, he moves from wallowing in his loss to coaching and mentorship. He realizes that while he can’t drive hard to the net anymore, he can stay in hockey by influencing others. This fulfills the Stoic requirement that wisdom must lead to action.
Set the Tone: The Virtue of Courage
Stoic Courage is the ability to conquer fear within yourself and maintain your beliefs when things get hard. Shoresy’s constant question, “Who’s gonna set the tone?” is a call to this specific type of fortitude.
Setting the tone requires a player to put their body on the line to inspire the team. Shoresy personifies this by going until he can’t go anymore. To win a championship, he plays through a separated shoulder, a foot fracture, and a torn groin. This isn’t just about being tough. It’s a commitment to a principle. He publicly vowed the team would never lose again. Maintaining that standard requires the courage to risk yourself for your teammates.
Shoresy’s stoicism isn’t found in silent contemplation. It’s found in loud, dirty, and relentless action. Through his aphorisms, he creates a framework for a virtuous life in a high-stakes environment. By being the hardest worker, finding ways to contribute, going where he’s needed, and setting the tone, Shoresy fulfills the ultimate Stoic goal. He responds to even the most painful situations with virtue.
Leave a Reply