By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Sport: Hockey
School: Shrewsbury High School
Coach: Steve Turnblom
Class: Senior
Notable Stats: 20 goals and 17 assists during this past season
What are your earliest hockey-related memories?
“Some of my earliest hockey memories would definitely include skating on the rink my dad would make in my backyard, as well as helping him build the hockey training center that I have in my basement. Other than that, my family would always go and skate on ponds and lakes. My whole family is addicted to hockey.”
Which family member really encouraged you to succeed at the sport?
“My grandfather, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago, has always been my inspiration in life, and hockey, to push to myself and to succeed. He battled cancer for a long time, and is the perfect role model and inspiration for me to get through life and succeed.”
What was it like being a part of the Shrewsbury High School (SHS) team this season?
“Playing for SHS this season, and my whole four years on varsity, was absolutely incredible, and I couldn’t have asked for better teammates. We were a team and a family, on and off the ice, and we all fought for each other. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to make it back to the state championship this year, but my senior class was able to get a title in our four years, and that is something we will always remember for the rest of our lives.”
Have you decided on where you’ll go to college next year?
“I will be attending Westfield State University as a psychology major next year. I am very excited to be moving onto a new chapter of my life, and I’m definitely going to pursue playing hockey there.”
Which single game of your young career has been the most special?
“If I had to choose a game that was the most special during my whole career, besides when we won the states, I would have to say my first playoff game against Algonquin [Regional High School]. I was able to win the game in a shootout after not playing a single shift in the game. It was a huge step, and with the support of my teammates, I was able to improve the following seasons.”
What do you consider to be the best part of your game?
“I try and work on all aspects of my game, but I really like to focus on my vision. As a little kid, I always used to watch hockey with my dad and my favorite players to watch were Jaromir Jagr and Wayne Gretzky. Wayne Gretzky had the best vision of any hockey player I’ve ever seen, and the way he saw the game was incredible. Learning from watching him, and skating as much as possible, I improved my vision of the game.”
What are your hobbies outside of hockey?
“To be honest, I’ve been on ice skates since age 3, and I haven’t really played any other sports. However, I play roller hockey and street hockey, so I try to cover all areas of the sport. The only other thing I really have a passion for is fitness and nutrition.”
What is your favorite type of music?
“My favorite kind of music is really anything that would pump me up before a game or during a workout. This includes electronic dance music (EDM), rock, and rap. I enjoy artists like Eminem, Linkin Park, and Avicii.”
What is your favorite class in school, and why?
“My favorite class in school is psychology because it has really prepared me for what I’m going to study in college. It has provided me with large amounts of new, very interesting knowledge.”
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind at Shrewsbury High?
“Ever since my class (2015) started on the hockey team, the Shrewsbury hockey program has transformed into an incredible program. From coaches, to water boys and managers, to players, it’s truly been an amazing experience. We are all a family and we fight for the brother next to us. We play for the town on the front and not the numbers on our backs. Being a part of that is the legacy I’d like to leave at SHS.”
