Mark Moon '17 Recruiting Profile

My name is Mark Moon and I am 18 years old with a goal of playing hockey at a university or college level once I have completed high school. At present I am on track to graduate in June 2017, through the ADLC (Alberta Distance Learning Center).  Not working in a regular school setting has been a great learning experience, as there has been no teacher standing over me to get work done.  Although there have been challenges to this style of learning, it has also helped with my training, as I can complete my school work around my training and hockey schedule with greater flexibility.  For the past four years I have earned Honors with Distinction or Honors, and look forward to continued academic success.

My family has always been supportive of my academic and athletic goals.  They have helped me get to practices and games 4-6 times per week and for four years we have not played at “home”, which meant traveling to communities over 60 minutes away in order for me to have the opportunity to play, even though this has created a strain on family time and financial resources. With both parents being teachers they are focused that education comes first, therefore this has instilled in me a strong work ethic, as well as solid organization and time management skills. My parents are also raising all four of their children to be active members of the community, which has been an excellent learning opportunity for me. I have been able to volunteer to help fundraise for new local recreation facilities, referee and coach youth and be a part of several leadership activities. In previous years while at school I was able to help with the House League program and work with Grade 6 students in our school’s Hockey Option to create a  training program and provide encouragement to upcoming goalies in our community. At present I am looking at a career in either sports management or athletic training. Helping others achieve their goals and find passion in sport is of great interest to me.

As for hockey, I am committed to and looking forward to working with the Jr A Almaguin Spartans in the GMHL for the current season, and then moving into the highest competitive level my skills will allow me at university or college. Having traveled to Europe for two summers and living away from home for two seasons for training and hockey opportunities, I have become very comfortable traveling and have accepted that in order to achieve my goals I will have to spend time away from my family. My family has also accepted and supports this. I believe in balancing my academics and athletics and will continue to make responsible choices to ensure that the path to achieving my goals has as few obstacles as possible. I am excited about my future and am proud to be surrounded by supportive, realistic and caring people who will help me attain my goals.