Pro Hockey Player and Beer Brewer Ryan Reaves The New York Rangers winger discusses delivering bruises on the ice and brews in pint glasses.

By Dan Bova Edited by Jessica Thomas

Bruce Bennett | Getty Images

Today's guest is the ring winger for the greatest hockey team on Earth, the New York Rangers. I'm not just saying that as a fan, it is a scientific fact.

In the past 11 years, Ryan Reaves has scored 49 career goals and spent his share of time in the penalty box. If you've seen him play, you know that the man is not afraid of a fight, and over the course of our conversation, I learned if his playing style is mirrored in the way he runs his business, 7Five Brewing Co. (Short answer: He is definitely a competitive business owner, but much less prone to deliver vicious body checks during tasting sessions.) The company is currently selling its selection of four brews in Nevada and is in the process of bringing it to New York and St. Louis. 7Five's tagline is "Beer worth fighting for," and I dare anyone to challenge him on that.

Reaves was born in Winnipeg in 1987, which explains his dual passion for hockey and beer. He made his NHL debut in 2010 and has played for the St. Louis Blues, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and currently plays for the aforementioned New York Rangers, where a 2022 Stanley Cup championship is pretty much guaranteed.

Hope you enjoy our chat. Go Blueshirts!

Related: Nasty Talk with 'Dirty Jobs' Host Mike Rowe

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Service, Not Just Sales — Here's How to Build a Customer-First Business

A customer-first business strategy that prioritizes exceptional service, empowers employees and leverages feedback can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates, driving sustainable, long-term growth.

Business News

'I Hate Bureaucracy': Leaked Internal Amazon Document Reveals How the Tech Giant Is Cutting Down on Middle Management

Amazon could soon let go of thousands of managers, resulting in savings of up to $3.6 billion.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

The 2025 Leadership Playbook — Strategies to Help You Thrive in Uncertain Times

How to lead through uncertainty, adapt to challenges and position your organization for lasting success.

Business News

'Gen Z Is Obsessed': Chili's Sales Have Skyrocketed Thanks to the Triple Dipper and Turbo Chefs

On an earnings call this week, one analyst said the company's turnaround was "the best one of all time" in the restaurant industry.