Sam Nolan '24 Recruiting Profile

I haven’t always been a goalie.  I played right wing for my first two years in Novice (Mite) hockey.  I was always one of the fastest skaters on the team, I always liked to see the puck go into the net, the fans cheering and my team celebrating the goal.  It’s not that way anymore.  When I was nine and in my first year in Atom, I began playing goalie and was cut from my travel/club team.  I was determined to make the team the next season and since then, I have been playing Tier II in my age group.  

As of right now, I play at the U18AA and U18AAA levels for the Seaway Valley Rapids and Kemptville 73s.  Both leagues prepare players for the Major (OHL), Tier I (CCHL), and Tier II (EOJHL) Junior leagues.  I have set a goal to play college hockey in the NCAA and focused my attention on and off the ice on this goal.  I believe that I can play hockey while getting a great education at the US college level.  

I am a leader on and off the ice, whose work ethic is second to none, leading by example while encouraging my teammates to be the best that they can be.   Preparation is very important to my success, on the ice or in the classroom.  A game day would include reviewing game film, getting to the rink at least an hour before a game, stretching, and visualization of what I’m going to do to give my team the best chance to win.  The first shot is always the hardest to stop, so the preparation before I take the nets has led me to succeed. 

I have been lucky to have played for and trained with some outstanding coaches that pushed me through my comfort zone to become the goalie that I am today; I am coachable, mentally tough, and always battle for my team.  My athleticism, agility, technical positioning, and puck handling are my strengths.  My experiences have been positive and negative, and have pushed me to improve on the ice and in the classroom.  I am proud of my studies and will always strive to be a better student.  I would like to go to a college where I can play high-level hockey while getting a quality education; finding the right fit is as important for me as it is for my family.