Each of the following scenes are experiences and events that I have undergone as a member of this community.
Players getting ready for practice, putting on equipment. Each of them talking to the next guy, laughing and messing around. The smell of hard work and sweat surrounds the room. Each of them is willing to give up their body, pride, and self for the guy next to them.
As the players get on the ice they are eager to get ready for the upcoming game. Filled with anger and regret from the loss last week, each of them are filled with energy and intensity to get ready for the next competition.
Each of the two teams are filled with a competitive fire that is ready to fuel them through the next 60 minutes of play. Each player is almost foaming from the mouth with aggression, excitement, and pure emotion. Facing off, head to head, each of these teams are ready to go to war on the ice. From throwing their bodies at each other to making a nasty move leading to a goal, each team is willing to do whatever it takes to come away with a W. It’s game time.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday I am usually at the rink. I commonly experience feelings and events such as the ones I have describe above. The rink is a place of safety and fun for me. It is a place I can let all of my problems go to just go out to play hockey.
During this project I have looked to highlight the community and sense of family the ACHA brings to athletes, so when deciding who to interview, I wanted to make sure I highlighted that feeling. Here is my interview with my teammate Tommy Budreck.