- 2022 Highlights
Personal Statement
Beginning my 2nd year as a starter for the Hoosac Owls Varsity team in NY State has been a privilege. Although leaving home at 16 from Canada during Covid-19 was difficult at times it has been an honor to play other teams in the highly competitive NEPSAC League. This and playing 2 years in the extremely competitive GTHL league has been the highlight of my hockey career so far. I feel like the events that made me grow the most as a student-athlete were the constant challenges that were thrown at me everyday. I learned the value of hard work, the skill of self-motivation to strive to be better every day, and how to be resilient and never give up. The year I learned these values the most was in my junior year when I was named captain of the AAA Mississauga Rebels Minor Midget team in the GTHL. A lot of challenges were thrown at me that I had to push through in order to become a better student-athlete, and to pursue my dream to play D1 hockey in the NCAA. During this season, as it was my draft year, I was rated in the top 6 rounds for the OHL draft. That made me feel amazing as I feel it really highlighted my leadership capabilities, and my work ethic throughout my years of playing hockey.
Having a 4.0 GPA and now being fortunate enough to be playing at HOOSAC SCHOOL in NEPSAC for my sophomore and senior years, I feel I am better able to achieve my goal of the NCAA. Being at a boarding school since I was 16, I have learned the value and importance of teamwork, commitment, perseverance, sacrifice and making good decisions without the direct supervision of my parents. I'm looking for a program that I feel would be suitable for me athletically, as well as academically, as I take both very seriously. I believe I have the skill needed to play at this high end level, as well as the character, impeccable work-ethic, and leadership skills required to transition to Collegiate play. As a player who has been named captain or assistant captain from multiple teams I have played on, I feel like I have the ability to positively impact your program and make an amazing contribution to your team!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Owen Atkins
