Hockey has been a big part of my life; I’ve been playing since I was three-years-old. As I was growing up, I lived in Chicago, learning how to skate and play hockey for a local club called the Chicago Jets.

When I was younger, I always wanted to play at a high level of hockey. Eager to play in high school, I just didn’t know what high school hockey club would lead me to the best possible future. 

I grew up watching the New Trier Hockey Team play almost every year in the State Championship hosted at the United Center. Watching New Trier’s hockey team win constantly every year made me think that my calling was to go to New Trier and have the same opportunity the  New Trier players experienced: having a chance to fight for the state title at the home of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Knowing that I wanted to be a part of a winning team, I initially leaned towards playing for New Trier. In the end, I chose Lake Forest because the hockey program was good and the nearby school provided a great education. Also, I heard from my Falcons teammates about how great it would be to play there: they talked about the school spirit and its tight community. I wanted to make a difference in history. Instead of being the best–a team known for winning over and over–I wanted to beat the best.

This Monday, the Varsity Gold Scouts Hockey Team made history. The Scouts played against the Scholastic Hockey League (SHL)  teamNew Trier Green (NTG) at the Alumni Fieldhouse at Lake Forest College. I unfortunately couldn’t play that game due to a concussion I received the past weekend.. 

Going into the game, the SHL’s Instagram account posted a poll asking users who would win the game. The poll results were 83-17, favoring NTG to win. Seeing the poll result made the players on the team fired up to beat NTG. In the locker room, everyone was ready to go out on the ice and prove that the team had what it takes to be a top contender this season. Moments before the game, our coach came into the locker room and talked about David Vs. Goliath: if we believed and if we worked harder than them, we would win this game. No doubt about it.

Watching the game from the bench, I knew I had to step up and be that person ready andc able to help. I talked to the players about what was going right and wrong to give them advice and extra energy. Constantly throughout the game, I spoke up, boosted my teammates’ mentality, and pushed them through this game. 

Before the third period, the players in the locker room were exhausted, even though we had the lead 3-1. Despite this, they all stood up, stepped up for one another and said sayings like  “we got this” and “keep your head up and keep on working.” 

Going through the game, nearly everyone questioned if we could really do this: could we beat them? 

17 minutes later, the Scouts upset NTG and ended their 50-year-drought of losing to them. The guys skated out while I walked out screaming and yelling with excitement: it was like winning a championship.. 

I wish I played that game, but, in the end, I was still a part of this team and played a role. Even though I was not a skater, I will remember the win forever.