Rick DiPietro became the first pick of the New York Islanders and the highest-drafted goalie in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) Draft. Rick was a Boston University freshman, when he signed his first professional hockey contract, which was for three years.

Seven of Rick’s outstanding characteristics that helped him achieve his new role, included: 
1) Exceptional Skills and Talents: Rick knew how to move and stop the puck very well.
2) An Impressive List of Athletic Accomplishments and Other Awards
3) A Competitive Attitude
4) An Ability to Handle Pressure
5) Confidence With a Willingness to Learn
6) A Likable Personality
7) A Desire to Give Back to the Community

Rick worked long and hard to develop his winning combination. Since he knew that many kids would have liked to be in his skates, Rick tried to be helpful by providing this advice. “It’s important to get in the best shape you can…Work your hardest. Be nice to your parents and hopefully one day your dreams will come true. Because if you work hard at it and put your mind to it, you can do anything you want.”
(Winthrop, Massachusetts: June 24, 2000)