Eat, sleep, drink, practice, work out, school, play hockey. Rinse and repeat. Every single day.
I started playing ice hockey in Los Angeles when I was four years old. It was the best feeling back then, and it’s the best feeling to this day.
In April, I will be 16 years old. I was given the opportunity to go to an elite ice hockey academy two years ago, and I told my Mom, “Yes, I must go now!” I was only 14 years old, but I knew in my heart it was the best decision for me.
I live in a dorm with my teammates, and it’s the best experience. We work out every day in the gym. We go to school (I am online with iLEAD Online), and then we go to the ice for nearly two hours a day. Everything is about hockey and getting better and better.
My team is called the Northern Cyclones, and I’m a center on the 15U AAA Elite team. This means I play offense. I score goals. And I love that part. My coach’s name is Chris, and he has believed in me from the beginning.
The weekends are filled with games. Sometimes we go by coach bus and sleep in hotels because we are far from the Academy.
I came to the Academy in July for 10 days of training camp, and then I came back in August for the season, which will end in March. Then I will go home until next season. I will be training and working out while I am off.
It’s not easy being away from home in Los Angeles, my mom, my sister, or my dog, Chaya. But I am very happy this is my path. I am going to play in the NHL someday. My goals are clear. It’s hard work, and some days I am exhausted, but it’s all good, because my dreams will come true.
You will see me in the NHL.
—CA$H