Brett Hull reveals why he chose Team USA over Team Canada.

The way you treat a person can have long lasting repercussions, far beyond what you may be able to see at the time, and a tale that perfectly encapsulates that little life lesson can be found in the story of how National Hockey League superstar Brett Hull, a Canadian born in Belleville, Ontario, came to play for USA Hockey throughout his international hockey career.

Over the weekend Hull was a guest on the Cam and Strick Podcast and he was asked about the controversial decision he made back in 1991 when he opted to represent the United States of America, a decision he would stick to throughout his career, during a Canada Cup tournament rather than playing for the Canadians. Hull's answer was quite a simple one and it is one that conveyed a sentiment that I think every human being can on some level understand. Hull revealed that 5 years prior to that tournament being held, Team Canada had not offered to offer him a spot on their junior roster for a tournament in 1986 while Team USA on the other hand had believed in him and had given him a chance to shine on the world stage.

"Well I did not make that choice, they made that choice for me," said Hull. "Both Team USA and Team Canada came to watch me play and Dave King was the coach of Team Canada and Dave Peterson was the coach of Team USA. Dave King basically said I was no good and he wanted nothing to do with me and that Team USA could have me if they wanted... they came down after the game and asked me if I would like to play for Team USA at the World Championships and I said 'Well yes I would thank you very much.'"

After that initial incident all the way back in 1986 it simply became a matter of principle for Hull to continue sticking with the team that brought him to the dance.

"If they saw that much in me and gave me the opportunity well what kind of dick would I be if I go 'screw you Team USA I'm gonna go play with Canada because they're better', I said no I'm gonna stay loyal to Team USA who took a chance on me."