Meet Brian Propp

In this Stories of Strength Spotlight, ETNU honors Brian Propp. a true embodiment of resilience, grit, and purpose. He should have died from his stroke 10 years ago on September 3, 2015. 

Brian is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, from 1979 to 1994. He was featured in five Stanley Cup Finals with three different NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars, and won the 1987 Canada Cup with Team Canada. Propp, 66years-old, was formerly of Saskatchewan, Canada and currently resides in Florida. 

Brian is a living example of what it means to rise through adversity and lead with unwavering inner power. His story is not defined by what he has endured, but by how he has chosen to grow through it. During Brian’s journey to Embrace the New You, he has shown us that real strength isn’t about being unshaken — it’s about moving forward despite the shaking. On September 3, 2015 stroke, Brian couldn’t speak or walk. He went to Magee Rehab and underwent speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy - 3 hours a day. 

Faith made a huge difference in Brian finding strength to get past the challenges from his stroke His dad was a Lutheran minister in Saskatchewan and he learned from him to never give up. 

It took a year and a half to get better. 

Brian’s biggest obstacle to overcome in his journey to Embrace the New You was that he didn’t know if he would ever speak again. It took 6 months to recover. He still has some aphasia. It was a very scary time. Brian was always a positive person and he stayed positive thinking he would become better. 

Brian’s advice he gives others who are also facing their own challenges and journeys is to 

“Never give up hope”. The ETNU design of the Butterfly resonates most with him because it represents his new life. The mantra Embrace the New You inspired Brian because he should have died. His new hope for life inspired him. 

In 2024, Brian released his second book, Angel on my Wing. His book tells how he did overcome his stroke – Faith, Determination & Courage.

ETNU celebrates Brian Propp for his honesty, courage, and his unbreakable spirit — a true story of strength in action.

A few fun facts about Brian Propp are his Guffaw cigar brand, made in the Dominican Republic, his 15 years as an NHL player, and that he loves fishing and golf. 

Please reach us at info@embracethenewyou.com if you or someone you know would like to have their story highlighted.