If you asked me 4 years ago what my favorite sport was, I probably wouldn’t even have thought of Ice hockey. It wasn’t until I went to my first hockey game at my boarding school in New England that I found out how much I love the sport. My school was known as a “hockey school.” Kids come from all over the world to be apart of the Varsity Teams. It’s pretty intense. During my senior year of high school I joined my junior varsity hockey team. My team wasn’t the best on the ice but we definitely had the most fun. I played defense and luckily my partner had experience and saved the team. The memories I made on and off the ice are life-long, and I am now a determined hockey fan forever.

When I wasn’t on the ice I was up in the “nest” taking photos, trying to capture the best shot. The determination and grit in the players face, the celebration of a slap shot to the net, or a check into the boards. Being over the game felt like I was apart of the action. Most people would think I’m not competitive, but hockey brought out the competition in me. That’s the thing about hockey-- players love what they are doing. They will do anything in their will to give the team their all like a puck to the face, or a slam into the boards. Practicing all day, no matter the case. Sick, injured, or even tired, they are still soaring across the ice in a whole new world. The ice is there home.

The feeling you get when you’re on the ice or watching a game is invigorating. Your heart feels like its’ going to pop out of your chest. Everything is so unpredictable. Every moment is so different. The feeling when someone gets a goal or saves a tough shot and the crowds go wild. Screaming in joy as you celly across the ice-- there is always constant excitement.

Some love the smell aroma of coffee, I like the aroma of hockey. Every time I walk into a rink I’m happy. The smell of the rink, and the sound of the skates shredding across the ice. As hockey season is right around the corner, I couldn’t be any more excited for what the year has to bring. Now, go get your skates and fall in love with hockey like I did.