When people love a sport, they create special memories, have inspirations, and learn where they belong to play their best.
Hockey is commonly played in colder climate regions, and Illinois definitely equates to that, so many people in this area Like in all sports, many people have an inspiration while playing. Commonly those inspirations are close family members or even professional hockey players. These inspirations drive the player’s mindset to be the best player they can be.
“My brother and dad both inspire me in hockey. They both played at high levels and always showed me how to work hard for something you want,” said senior Arissa Vettraino.
Inspiration can come from professional players too.
“Patrick Kane inspires me while playing because I grew up watching him,” said senior Patrick Maslowski.
When playing hockey, the players have learned where their skills are put to best use and what areas of the ice they enjoy the most.
“I play defense, and it’s my favorite because I feel like I have control of the whole ice. I can see all the plays ahead of me, and it helps me develop the play,” said senior Arissa Vettraino.
Sometimes the player’s position on the ice is based on which arm is more or less dominant.
“Left wing is my favorite because I am right-handed, and it opens a lot up for me to make moves to my forehand,” said sophomore Griffin Rudo.
Hockey creates great memories from memorable games. The most memorable games are sometimes what drives the player to keep playing, so they can amount to that special moment once again.
“My favorite game was at a tournament in Vermont. It was our last game of the tournament, and we won. And after the game, my team jumped in the lake that was by the rink in the dark, and it was super fun,” Vettraino said.
Tournaments and championships in hockey get very intense, and players really get to display their skills.
“I played against a team from Canada and got first place in a tournament,” Maslowski said.
Hockey has been a source of happiness for these students because they’re able to explore the positions they play best in, they are inspired by the people they want to make proud, and finally because of the joy from their favorite games.