Ice Hockey Research Paper

Activities are a perfect way for someone to show their personality. Experiences and interests tend to influence our actions. For example, nature lovers usually participate in activities promoting the preservation of nature. My most meaningful activity was playing for the Plainview JV Ice Hockey Team. During my freshman year at Chaminade High School I tried out for the JV Ice Hockey team. I was disappointed to learn that I did not make the team, therefore I entered the Nassau County High School Ice Hockey League player pool. One day I received an email that Plainview’s hockey team picked me up. At the time I was nervous because I would not know anyone on the team. My Mom drove me to the first practice at the Bethpage ice rink. Little did I
know that this would quickly become my home away from home. This activity was very influential to me because I met many people who would become an important part of my life. It also exposed me to many meaningful experiences. My teammates quickly became my second family. I am grateful to have been part of such a great group of people throughout my high school years. My coaches, Glenn Rinyu and Rick Dominique, have taught me so much more than how to be a better hockey player. They held everyone accountable for their actions, on and off the ice. The coaches taught us to always stick up for each other. We became a close knit group and helped each other with school work and relationships as well. At the beginning of my second season, I began bringing a soccer ball to practice and to the games as a pregame workout. I wanted everyone to loosen up and have some fun. My coach thought it was a good idea. He appointed me the Captain of the team because he saw that I was organizing and advising my teammates on and off the ice. This boosted my self-confidence, I learned that I have leadership skills. I organized an off ice practice for the whole team at a local gym with an athletic trainer. My love for hockey has influenced me both on and off the ice tremendously. On the ice, I was able to freely express myself and always felt safe because I knew my team had my back. Off the ice, I became a better person. Plainview’s ice hockey team is involved with helping the Long Island Blues, a charity organization for hockey players with disabilities, and that is when I started to become more involved within the community. Two years ago I participated in a hockey shootathon; I helped raise over $100 for the organization. Afterwards I realized that I wanted to continue helping people. My coaches let me help coach Plainview’s developmental squad on the days we did not have practice. I had lots of fun training those younger than me knowing that anyone of them could end up becoming the future captain of the team. My charity help did not stop there.
I am currently organizing a breast cancer awareness fund raiser with my friend Ryan. Every year he donates 50 cents for every save he makes during the games he plays in October. Since I am not a goalie, I am unable to make the same donation, but I wanted to get involved in some way. We are organizing an open skate at Bethpage rink to raise money on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness. We are going to rent the rink, collect an admission fee, hold raffles, have fun games and completions to raise money for breast cancer. Hopefully we have a good turnout, raise some money, and have some fun. Playing hockey for the Plainview JV team was a very meaningful experience for me, not just because of my love for the sport. I made many friendships, developed leadership skills, and became involved in community service. I gained great respect for my coaches, for all the time they dedicated to teaching us to be good hockey players and good men. I learned how to be part of a team. I consider myself very fortunate, and I am aware that it is important to share my good fortune by helping others. I would like to major in Sports Management in college and use sport as an avenue to make a difference in the
world.