What are some of your main goals within the game over the next 5 years? 

My main goals within the game are kind of a tough question for me to answer, mostly because they fluctuate throughout the year.

Goal #1: I want to make a U18 AAA team next year. This is something I’ve been working towards for a long time, and it would hopefully kickstart other opportunities in the future. It would mean a lot to me to make one of those teams because I’ve always wanted to play at the highest levels possible, and playing at that level would be a huge achievement.

Goal #2: This one is really difficult, but I’d like to earn a scholarship for college. It doesn’t have to be a full ride, just some sort of athletic scholarship that can help pay for further education and support my career ambitions. Achieving this would give me the stability to pursue what I want in life, whether that’s starting a family or following my dreams.

Goal #3: I want to become the best I can be at hockey. As I mentioned before, I want to achieve some challenging goals, but mostly, I want to look back in five years and know I have become the best version of myself. I don’t want to have any regrets like, “Man, I wish I did this or tried harder at that.” I want to know that I gave it my all, whether that’s working out as much as possible, honing my skills whenever I can, or mentally reviewing games to see what I could’ve done differently. Basically, I just don’t want to have any regrets for my actions over the next five years.

What separates you as a player and person? What are some areas requiring work? How do you continue to get better? 

As both a player and a person, my commitment to improvement sets me apart. I consistently show up to practice prepared to listen, work hard, and acquire new skills. Beyond the rink, I dedicate myself to self-improvement. Recognizing the need to enhance my physicality to compete at the u17aaa level, I set a goal to gain 10 pounds of muscle over the summer. Remarkably, I surpassed this objective by adding 17 pounds of muscle and exceeding all my weightlifting targets.

When it comes to areas requiring improvement, I believe in striving for progress across all aspects of my game. Much like elite players such as McDavid, who continuously refine even their strongest skills, I aim to enhance every facet of my game consistently. This relentless pursuit of improvement is central to my approach to becoming a better player and person.

What do you bring to any team you play for? What could a coach expect from you if they selected you for their roster? 

I believe a coach can anticipate numerous positives from me. They won’t encounter a lackadaisical player who shows apathy; rather, they’ll find a team-oriented individual who is committed to giving their all in any role they’re assigned. They can expect someone who is fiercely determined to secure victories through every means possible. Additionally, I contribute a positive dynamic that greatly benefits team cohesion. I am mindful of minimizing any potential negatives, and if I do err, I am dedicated to learning from my mistakes and compensating for them in alternative ways. In essence, they will have a dedicated player who despises losing and consistently strives to perform at their best.

Another aspect that a coach can anticipate from me is my willingness to adapt and fulfill any role required for the team’s success. While I typically envision myself as a goal scorer and points producer, this perspective shifted during my time on this year’s u17aaa team. Instead, I was tasked with assuming more of a third/fourth-line role. Despite this departure from my usual position, I embraced the challenge and strived to excel. As part of the best short-handed unit on our team, I contributed three short-handed goals throughout the season and was on the ice for only three powerplay goals against. Remarkably, even with limited ice time (averaging about 12 minutes per game) and very limited powerplay opportunities, I still managed to rank within the top six forwards on the team. Regardless of the role assigned to me, I am committed to giving my best effort and making a positive impact on the team.

What impact are you looking to have in your sports career? (Community, team, success, etc) 

I want to have an impact on people who look up to me. I want to be a role model for the little kids who stop by at a game or practice and be able to say, “I can be like him for sure.” I also want to be a good model for my younger siblings and younger cousins. I want to show them that hard work and dedication get you places. I don’t need to be remembered by everyone in the organization for the rest of my life, but having older coaches remember me and use me as an example in the future would be an achievement.

What do you believe separates the best players in the world? What attributes/intangibles define them? 

I believe that the thing that separates the best players in the world from the rest of them is their drive. Often the best example I can give is that they don’t love winning, it’s that they just purely hate losing. This I believe is in the best of the best like McDavid, Draisaitl, Mackinnon, Crosby ,and Kucherov. They all have had moments where they have almost just decided that they do not want to lose today. Often, we see star players don’t reach their full potential because they just don’t care enough about winning and are fine with losing if they get paid (Auston Matthews).

Favorite thing about the game (on or off ice)? 

My favorite thing about the game? That’s a tough question because it’s seriously hard to find anything I don’t like. The best part has to be the environment and the friendships that form with everyone on the team. I mean, the whole vibe is amazing. Plus, I love the game itself – the fast pace, the strategy, the skills. It’s always just clicked with me and feels like something I’ll be into forever. So honestly, I just love it all.

• 2022-23 – HSL Capital City Knights – Assistant Captain
• 2022-23 – HSL Capital City Knights – Lead HSL in Points