This week, we got to meet Billy Wager. Wager is a Communications major and goalie for the ACHA D1 Hockey team. In this interview, we found out his future within the league, and his advice for potential additions to the team.
MM: “What got you interested in hockey?”
BW: “So, my dad (did). He used to play hockey way back in the day. He sort of made it into the semi pro ranks. He was always like a mentor to me. He was always there, he was my coach, and my biggest supporter. As a kid, just seeing my dad play, it really got me into the game.”
MM: “You mentioned a semi-pro rank. Can you elaborate on that?”
BW: “Yes. He actually was the back-up goaltender, in some minor pro hockey league. A few leagues down form the NHL so he got to be a backup goalie for a few games. He sort of made it up there”
MM: “Did you have a favorite highlight from this last season?”
BW: “My favorite highlight would be when we played Oswego for the ship wheel trophy. We have a lot of pride in that trophy, I think we won it 7 out of the 8 times it’s been defended. Having that here, at home, and being able to win that, I really like that game.”
MM: “What helps you stay focused when it comes to game time?”
BW: “When it comes to game time, It becomes difficult to focus. There is a lot things outside of your control that you have to ignore. You’ve got the crowd noise, you got the other team, while people are chirping at you and trying to get under your skin. The best thing you can do is just to stay focused from within. You have to trust that you’ve put in the work, you’ve put in the effort and have prepared your mind, beforehand. You have to stick to what you know and stick to your game plan.”
MM: “How has this team affected you as a player?”
BW: “As a player, it think it has raised me, not only as an athlete, but as a person. This year my coach called on me to become one of the assistant captains. It has raised me to become a leader, and that affects me in all aspects of life. It forces me to become more accountable in not only myself but my teammates. I can’t just be focused on myself all the time, I have to make sure that we’re all striving forward in the same way. I think (the team) has improved me as a player. I’ve competed with some talented goalies. We’ve had three incredible goalies this year, so playing time was difficult. You had to really work and practice to get those starts, and it made me a better goaltender, as well.”
MM: “Do you have any advice for incoming Freshman who may be recruited to the team?”
BW: “The one biggest piece of advice I can give you, is to train as hard as you can. To be ready form the get-go. When you get here, you want to be at your very best. If you show up and you’re flat, and you’re not at you best, you are not going to succeed here. You need to be in your top shape and you need to come in here with confidence, knowing that you’re going to be on the top team. They are going to make an impact and that is what is going to drive you in your four years here.”
