Filipino-American NHL star Jason Robertson relishes his status as a role model for Asian kids
- The 22-year-old left winger, whose mother was born in the Philippines, has cemented himself as one of the Dallas Stars’ top players
- NHL players of Asian descent are fast making their mark in the league and showcasing the sport’s growing diversity and multiculturalism
The sophomore slump is a common plight for athletes in any sport, however it’s quite clear it doesn’t apply to Filipino-American Jason Robertson.
The Dallas Stars left winger, whose mom Mercedes was born in the Philippines, is averaging more than a point a game through 23 games in the NHL this season, just his second in the league.
During the 2020-21 campaign, Robertson, who stands 190cm and weighs 90 kgs, was a Calder trophy finalist for rookie of the year, and has now solidified himself as one of the top wingers in the entire league.
The 22-year-old’s mother Mercedes immigrated to the US with her family when she was three years old as the youngest of six children. Robertson’s deceased grandfather, Lee Dano, left behind a career as a lawyer in Manila to be a taxi driver and real estate title officer in America.
After being drafted 39th overall by the Stars in 2017, Robertson, in speaking to reporters, said he knew he was already going to be seen as a role model for minority kids playing ice hockey in the US before he made his NHL debut.