Nick VanWinkle '17 Recruiting Profile

The most unique thing about myself is the positive attitude that I contribute to everything I do.  I was given the nickname "Cheesy" on the ice by my team and coaches because of the fact that I am always smiling.  I've found that a positive outlook on life is influential to the people around me and provides a good atmosphere for the team.  During the transition between my middle school and high school career, my parents got divorced.  Hockey was my escape from all of my problems at home and taught me how to dedicate myself to something.  Regardless of the negativity around me, it gave me a reason to have a positive outlook, and from then on it just kind of stuck with me.

When I was three years old, my parents signed me up for skating lessons and from then on I've found a home on the ice.  I began going to summer camps, lessons, and practices when I was six, and since then have played year round.  I have always shot for A's in the classroom and have always maintained a GPA above 3.5.  My goals are to continue to grow as a player and as a person through hockey, while continuing to succeed in the classroom as well.