When a friend came to Bernie Nicholls with a business opportunity, the player who made life miserable for goaltenders got a good ‘Vibe’ from the conversation.

During his big-league playing career, one that spanned 17 seasons, Nicholls, the 73rd overall selection of the Los Angeles Kings in 1980, was known as the type to make smart decisions.

So when a buddy of his suggested he look into a new liquid nutritional supplement known as Vibe, the native of Haliburton, Ontario, decided to investigate before determining if he would get involved.

Ultimately, he made his choice based on the feedback of two people.

“My mom has had to deal with high blood pressure for years and my dad is a diabetic,” said Nicholls, who grew up a New York Islanders fan and idolized Bryan Trottier as a teenager. “I thought I’d get them to try the product and see how they liked it.

“Within a month, my mom’s blood pressure was the lowest it had ever been and my dad lost 18 pounds and felt better than ever. They both felt great. That told me this was something I should be involved with.”

So, what exactly is Vibe?

According to their website, “leading medical researchers and clinicians have recommended that individuals take a daily multi-nutrient supplement. Eniva's Vibe product has been specifically formulated to meet this recommendation. VIBE is a specialized blend of solubilized nutritional components engineered to promote, support, and recharge healthy body systems.

”Vibe is the most comprehensive answer to the body's need for life-giving nutrients. This "all-in-one" supplement provides a convenient, great tasting, economical, and powerful way to receive balanced nutrition for vibrant living. A more complete, proven combination of healthful goodness in liquid design can't be found.”

Nicholls, who launched his NHL career on November 19, 1981, doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to Vibe.

"I’ve done extensive research on Vibe and I am completely convinced that it is the best nutritional supplement on the market today,” said the forward who became the first player in Los Angeles history to score back-to-back hat tricks when he achieved feat against Calgary and Pittsburgh on March 17, 1982, and March 20, 1982. “Vibe delivers cell-ready minerals and other nutrients that support and enhance the four major functions of the body. I take it everyday and would not go without it. There is also a Vibe for kids which my 14-year-old son uses.”

And while he’s not ready to make a comeback bid, the man known as the “Pumper Nicholl Kid” during his playing days is feeling at the top of his game these days.

“I’m very passionate about this,” said Nicholls, who appeared in 1,127 regular season NHL games and scored 1,209 points. “Whatever you do, you have to believe in it. It doesn’t matter if it’s hockey or any part of your life. That’s the way I’ve always gone about things.”

Then it should come as no surprise that Vibe has been a successful venture to date, something that Nicholls is understandably proud of.

“When I see the effect that it has had on people, including my own family, you can’t help but be thrilled,” said the man who holds the Kings’ record for most goals in one season (70 in 1988-89) and most points in one game (8 vs. Toronto on Dec. 1, 1988). “We have a 1-800 number that people can call and give their testimonials. It’s amazing to hear what people are saying.”

Nicholls is hoping to expand the scope of Vibe in the coming months, working towards getting the product to NHL players and their respective teams.

“It’s all natural and I believe it would be something athletes would really appreciate,” said Nicholls, who recorded 144 points in 118 playoff appearances. “I always tell people, ‘Just try it.’ If they don’t like it and it doesn’t work, just throw it out.

“I just want people to try it and see what it can do. Like I said, I’m very passionate about all of this. I’ll phone people back if they leave their number to check and see how they are doing.”

It’s just what you’d expect from an athlete who always answered the call throughout his memorable NHL career.

Writer: Chris Lomon
Editor: Wendy McCreary