Ice Hockey, a sport that is not just challenging in every aspect imaginable but is home to some of the greatest athletes ever known. The second you watch a hockey game; your life changes forever. The path to pursue hockey at its highest level has been a gratifying and ongoing journey for me. I remember a 9 -year-old me, staring at the rink in front of me watching the name “Seattle Kraken” roar from the speakers. My fingers tightly gripped my blue jersey as I was overcome in awe. It was at that moment amongst the thrumming of millions of fans roaring and cheering, fighting with the players for every goal, every fight, and every loss – I realized I found my passion. Ice Hockey. There is little about hockey that is not intense, merely seeing the players and the fans behind them brings so much energy and passion out, it feels like the whole rink is alive.
Every time I step onto the ice, whether as a skater or a goalie, I know that effort, teamwork, and focus all come together to shape how the game unfolds. Hockey has become more than just a sport for me. It is a place where I challenge myself, learn from every shift, and understand how my actions contribute to something bigger than myself. Each time I play, I feel like I have another chance to grow.
My love for hockey was sparked when I started skating at an outdoor rink in Winthrop, I instantly fell in love with how my skates would make a sharp crunching noise as I propelled myself forward. Combined with my early love of rollerblading, I quickly got the hang of skating with long, powerful strides and learning how to cross over. It then became clear to me that I was either going to become a figure skater or an ice hockey player. I chose to be a hockey player because there is little that can beat the intensity of games or the glory of winning a tournament.
Ice hockey is not for the faint of heart; even today, every game leaves me on pins and needles. There is a certain drive and hunger for winning that you need to be successful in this sport, at the end of the day it is just you and the player from the other team, racing for a battle only won by the one who wants it the most. For every game you prep for it the day before, have a healthy meal, do some stretching, and get in the right mindset. You live and breathe that game for the 24 hours that come before it. Then you show up to the rink an hour and fifteen minutes before, get your bags and gear instead and train with your team. Next, you change into your gear and get ready for coaches fifteen minutes before puck drops. Our team sits in the locker room twenty minutes before game time, we sit quietly in the locker room, eyes closed, envisioning the outcome we are determined to earn together. When the coaches walk in, it’s game time, no one is goofing around. So, when it is time to take those warmup laps, it is on. Sticks tapping furiously on the boards, chanting their teams' names, locking into a hockey mindset – focused, ready, and prepared as the puck drops.
Getting started at Sno-King Amateur Hockey Association makes the experience even more meaningful. It provided a great environment for beginners like me, and for both boys and girls who are just starting out. The focus is on building confidence, learning the basics, and making sure everyone feels comfortable on the ice. It is not about being perfect but instead about taking that first step and realizing you belong there.
I also feel lucky to be part of the game at a time when hockey is growing so quickly in the Seattle area. With the sport becoming more popular and professional hockey expanding into the region there is a lot more excitement around it. It makes me feel even more motivated knowing that more kids are being inspired to try hockey and discover what makes it such a special sport. We are especially lucky to get the amazing opportunity to train with Seattle native Marah Wagner and forward skater for the Seattle Torrent. It is hard not to fall in love with the game, especially when we are inspired by role models like Marah who show what dedication and passion can lead to.
Starting young has helped me understand how much hockey can shape you, both on and off the ice. As I continue to improve, I see opportunities to join teams, compete, and keep pushing myself further. But even more than that, I have learned how important it is to show up, support teammates, and stay committed through every practice and game.
For me, hockey is also about being part of a community. Every time I step onto the ice, I feel connected to my teammates, coaches, and everyone else who shares the same passion. Places like Sno-King make that possible by keeping the game welcoming and accessible, and I think it is a great place for any kid who wants to try hockey and be part of something exciting and growing.
Everything from the heckling to the glory of winning as a team, is what makes hockey; it is what dictates legends and world class athletes. Hockey means game on.
Starting young has helped me understand how much hockey can shape you, both on and off the ice.
My love for hockey was sparked when I started skating at an outdoor rink in Winthrop, I instantly fell in love with how my skates would make a sharp crunching noise as I propelled myself forward.