Karl Subban

Karl Subban is an acclaimed Jamaican-Canadian educator, bestselling author, and dynamic motivational speaker whose profound insights into youth development, resilience, and personal evolution have inspired audiences across North America. Born in Jamaica, he immigrated to Canada at age twelve and settled in Ontario, later earning degrees from Lakehead University, where he also played varsity basketball. Subban built a distinguished 30-year career as a teacher and administrator with the Toronto District School Board, serving as a principal in some of the city's most challenging neighborhoods while dedicating his life to helping marginalized youth unlock their potential. Universally recognized as one of Canada's most famous "hockey dads," he and his wife, Maria, raised five highly successful children, including professional hockey players Malcolm, Jordan, and retired NHL superstar P.K. Subban—a family journey he chronicled in his bestselling 2017 debut playbook, How We Did It: The Subban Plan for Success in Hockey, School and Life (co-authored with Scott Colby). He expanded his literary footprint with his 2023 children's book, The Hockey Skates (featured in the 2025 CBC Kids Reads collection), and his recent personal growth guide, Raise Your Roof: The Hidden Power of Potential. A tireless advocate for social equity and youth sports, Subban serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Toronto Hockey League and was honored by Lakehead University with an honorary Doctor of Education degree in 2022 to complement his 2018 Alumni Honour Award.