CSR 376 Sam Goodwin
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Sam Goodwin, a former collegiate hockey player and author of the best-selling memoir 'Saving Sam,' shares his powerful journey from a Catholic upbringing in New Jersey through a successful junior and NCAA hockey career at Niagara University, where he helped set an NCAA record with three shorthanded goals in 69 seconds. After a career-ending concussion, Sam embarked on a global mission to visit all 193 United Nations sovereign states, attending Mass in 65 countries and visiting Catholic churches in 115. His journey took a dramatic turn in May 2019 when he was wrongfully detained in Syria for nine weeks, accused of espionage. Despite losing his freedom, possessions, and communication, Sam emphasizes that his faith remained unshaken, calling it his anchor. His family, with support from the U.S. government and unexpected international connections, worked tirelessly to secure his release. Sam’s story, detailed in his book, is not just about survival but about the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things through faith, perseverance, and community. He now speaks widely on these themes, emphasizing that faith is always available, even in the darkest moments. He continues to play recreational hockey for fun and fellowship, and lives in Tampa with his wife Natasha, a leader in Young Catholic Professionals. The episode closes with a heartfelt player prayer, underscoring the show’s mission of integrating faith and sports.
Faith remains unshaken even when all else is taken—Sam Goodwin’s experience in Syria proves that faith is always available.
Ordinary people, through faith and perseverance, can achieve extraordinary outcomes—Sam’s family played a pivotal role in securing his release.
The journey to visit all 193 countries was driven by curiosity and a competitive spirit, but it ultimately became a spiritual pilgrimage.
Recreational sports like hockey provide not just exercise but emotional release and community—Sam values it as a form of 'exhale.'
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things—this is the core message Sam delivers to Catholic audiences.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sam Goodwin’s Journey from Hockey to Hostage Crisis
“Everything had been taken from me—my material possessions, my communication, my freedom. But no matter what, I knew that my faith was absolute and that's what I had to hold on to when everything else was taken.”
The Record-Breaking Shorthanded Goals at Niagara
Sam recounts his freshman year at Niagara University, where he and two teammates scored three shorthanded goals in 69 seconds—a feat that made SportsCenter’s Top 10. He reflects on humility and the fleeting nature of fame.
The Global Mission: Visiting Every Country in the World
After his hockey career ended due to concussions, Sam launched a personal mission to visit all 193 U.N. sovereign states. He shares his travel philosophy, avoiding repetition and embracing curiosity.
Kidnapped in Syria: The Nine-Week Captivity
“I was desperately trying to figure out what was happening and the officers in the vehicle, they accused me of espionage, of being an American spy and elaborating with terrorists.”
Faith as the Anchor in Captivity
“Faith isn't always easy, but it is always available no matter what.”
“Everything had been taken from me—my material possessions, my communication, my freedom. But no matter what, I knew that my faith was absolute and that's what I had to hold on to when everything else was taken.”
“Faith isn't always easy, but it is always available no matter what.”
“God will use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”
Host
Guest
Sam Goodwin
person
Bruce Wozniak
person
Catholic Sports Radio
organization
Syria
place
Niagara University
organization
United States Government
organization
Brazil
place
Alliance Catholic Credit Union
organization
Texas Tornado
organization
Young Catholic Professionals
organization
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