1. Is there any story or significance behind your jersey number?
I wore 87 as a young kid, but I wanted to switch my number to be unique, so I just decided to go with 62 because not many players in the NHL have ever worn it. Plus, my birthday is 6/22, so it’s a funny coincidence.

2. At what age did you start playing hockey?
When I was learning to skate, I wanted to quit after the first couple of classes because I couldn’t stand up, but then I got better, so I moved on to learn to play hockey classes. I started playing Maulers House when I was 7 during my first season on Maulers. After that season, I tried out for the Maulers Mite Travel season, and have played for the organization ever since.

3. What is your favorite hockey memory?
Getting thrown out of a game against the Cyclones last year. I was going in to hit a guy  when he turned his back to me, and I hit him from behind, into the boards. The ref just tossed me out instead of giving me a 2 and 10.

4. What is your most embarrassing hockey moment?
I remember missing in a shootout when I was younger, which was super embarrassing. You’re also bound to get walked at least a few times, which is always embarrassing.

5. What is a hockey accomplishment that you are proud of?
Being captain of a few teams during bantams and early midgets, it was a good leadership experience for me. It helped shape me into the person and player I am today.

6. Who is your favorite hockey coach, and why?
Coach Kischer is my favorite coach. Kischer's coaching made me rethink hockey and how I approached the game. Instead of being a forward, he taught me to be a hockey player, and it led to me being able to play defense because I could think the game through from all positions. 

7. What has hockey meant to you over the years?
It’s been a fun escape from my daily life. Since I’ve been playing for so long, I’ve learned to appreciate the game and the work that goes into playing. To me, it represents dedication and consistency doing the things that I like to do. 

8. What would you like to say to your parents?
Thank you for all the years of driving, late nights, and long haul seasons and tournaments. I appreciate you guys being my #1 supporters for my whole life, in hockey, and in the other aspects of my life. 

9. What are your plans after high school?
I want to go to college somewhere warm and get a masters in Architecture, hopefully with a focus on landscape architecture.

Parent reflection:

The time we have spent traveling with you and watching you play over the past 10 years has been so awesome! I have loved watching you grow as a player and a young man. Your leadership skills have been honed by your coaches and your experiences, and I am so glad you have met so many great friends over the years. My favorite memory of your playing years is when I overheard you giving the post game locker room speech after the last game of your U15 Midget year. I couldn’t hear all the words, but you sounded so confident and self assured–a proud moment for sure. Keep striving to be a leader in all aspects of your life. Love, Mom

I still remember your first skating lessons and you being so frustrated at not being able to stand up during your second lesson that you wanted to quit.  We told you that you could quit, but only after you finish all of the lessons.  Well, at the third lesson something clicked and you figured out how to pop back up on your skates and the rest was history…!  It’s been so much fun watching you improve to the point that skating is now as natural as breathing (although ice does remain slippery…!).  Love, Dad