Brooks Laich said he went through one of the 'darkest times' post-NHL. Here's his advice for reinventing your career.

Brooks Laich had to reinvent himself after leaving the NHL at age 35. Getty/World Playground Brooks Laich said he went through one of the "darkest times of life" after his pro-hockey career ended. He explains how he found his new purpose as cofounder and CEO of travel platform World Playground. He also recommends keeping in mind that if you built your career once, you can build it again. For decades, Brooks Laich's life revolved around one goal: winning a Stanley Cup. When he walked away from that dream at 35, he said he felt like he failed himself and his family, friends, and fans. "I never won the Stanley Cup — something I've been chasing since I knew life existed," said Laich, who played for the Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings.