Richard (Ricky) Cronin '16 Recruiting Profile

I have been skating and playing hockey since I was four years old. I grew up watching the Boston Bruins and attending local collegiate hockey games. These experiences have developed a passion for the sport and a desire to play at the next level, college hockey.

As I began playing youth hockey, I took the advice of my coaches on how to become the best player I could be. For example, I would adhere to their suggestions in off season training such as puck shooting in the driveway, stick handling golf balls or just playing other sports. This advice paid off as it developed me into the player that I am today. The journey of youth hockey really started with the 1997 Boston Junior Eagles hockey club, from mites to the bantam level. Here, I learned the concrete base of hockey from former Harvard hockey player, Steve Armstrong. I then played for the Boston Advantage U14 hockey club under the coaching direction of Tim Lovell, a Boston Bruin, whose advice and coaching enhanced and propelled my skills to the next level. I now am a sophomore at the Belmont Hill School and a member of the Varsity Hockey team which is coached by another former Harvard hockey player, Jeremiah McCarthy. During the fall I also play at the New England Fall Prep Hockey League in Salem, New Hampshire, competing with fellow prep hockey players.

I’ve been described as a large, fast player that covers a lot of territory in a short amount of time. I am also a versatile player, easily converting back and forth between defense and forward, both left and right sides. Since I was 12 years old, I had been playing primarily defense. During tryouts for the varsity team, I was asked to convert to forward to fulfill the needs of the team which I gladly accepted. Coaches have described me as a coachable player. I listen to what is asked of me and conform to all of the requests of the coaches.

In school my teachers say I have a diligent work ethic.  This work ethic in school crosses over to my desire to be the best on the ice. I am also a violinist in the school orchestra, which I have been playing since I was 10.  Also, I am fascinated with the Spanish language and culture. I participate in the schools Spanish club and have traveled to the Dominican Republic on a community assistance mission. I consider myself as a diversified sports fan, playing for the varsity football team in the fall and row for the varsity crew team in the spring.

I know my goal of playing college hockey is an achievable one.  With hard work, determination and passion of the heart I will be guided to the right college where I can represent my school in the best possible way.