By Jackson Wirth
Hockey is more than just a sport to me. It is something I truly love, but it is also a
commitment. Playing hockey takes hard work, dedication, practice, and the willingness
to keep going even when things get difficult.
Like a lot of young hockey players, I dream about how far hockey could take me
someday. I would love the opportunity to play at a high level and possibly even play
professionally in the NHL. I know that dreams like that do not happen without putting in
the work, which is why I try to practice as much as I can, even during the offseason.
Staying on the ice and continuing to work on my skills helps me become stronger both
physically and mentally.
There are times when hockey is hard. There are practices when I am tired, games that
do not go the way I hoped, and moments when I make mistakes. Sometimes it can even
feel frustrating enough to want to quit. When that happens, I remind myself how much
time and effort I have already put into becoming a better player. I have played too many
games, attended too many practices, and worked too hard to give up when things
become difficult.
One of the biggest lessons hockey has taught me is how to move on from mistakes. If I
miss an open net or make a bad play, I cannot stay focused on what already happened.
I must think about the next shift, the next shot, and the next opportunity to help my
team. Every mistake gives me another chance to learn and become better.
My Goals
I have big goals in hockey, but becoming a professional hockey player is not my only
goal. I want to give my best effort every time I step onto the ice. I want to continue
improving, become a better teammate, listen to my coaches, and challenge myself to be
better than I was the day before.
No matter how far hockey takes me, I want to be able to look back and know that I gave
everything I had.
My Faith
My faith is an important part of both my life and my hockey journey. I believe God has
given me the opportunity and ability to play the sport I love, and I want to make the most
of that opportunity.
When hockey becomes difficult, my faith reminds me to keep going, trust God, and
remember that I do not have to face challenges by myself. One verse that means a lot
to me is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
That verse reminds me that strength is not only about being physically strong. It is also
about having the courage to keep trying, staying positive when things go wrong, and
trusting God through both the good moments and the difficult ones.
My faith also reminds me to stay humble, be thankful for the opportunities I have,
respect my coaches and teammates, and treat others the way I would want to be
treated. Hockey is something I love, but my faith helps guide the kind of person and
teammate I want to become.
The People Who Support Me
Another reason I continue playing hockey is the support I receive from the people
around me. My family, friends, coaches, and teammates encourage me and help me
keep going.
Support is especially important when things are not going well. Sometimes all it takes is
someone reminding you that one mistake does not define your entire game. Good
teammates, coaches, and family members can help you believe in yourself and keep
working when you are disappointed.
I have learned that becoming a better hockey player does not happen alone. The
people who believe in me are a big part of my journey.
Understanding the Cost of Hockey
Hockey is also an expensive sport. There are season fees, equipment, travel expenses,
tournaments, training, and many other costs that come with playing competitive hockey.
Because I understand how much my family sacrifices so I can play, I wanted to find a
way to help. I started working and finding ways to earn money that could go toward my
hockey expenses. It has taught me that if I want something badly enough, I should be
willing to work for it.
Helping with the cost of hockey has also made me appreciate the opportunity to play
even more.
Why I Keep Playing
I play hockey because I love the game. I love stepping onto the ice, competing,
improving, and being part of a team.
But hockey has also become much more than scoring goals or winning games. It has
taught me about commitment, responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, sacrifice, and
faith.
There will always be difficult practices, tough losses, missed shots, and challenges
along the way. But those moments are part of becoming a better player and a stronger
person.
My goal is simple: work hard, trust God, never give up, and give everything I have every
time I step onto the ice.
That is why I play hockey, and that is why I love it.