Personal Statement
It has always been my dream to play college hockey. I started playing sports around the age of 5. I also played competitive baseball up to age 18 when I ended playing baseball at the very competitive level of American Legion baseball. However, for as long as I can remember, playing hockey has always been my passion. I became interested in playing the position of goalie when I was 11. I became a dedicated goalie when I was 12 years old and have played in that position ever since. I take pride in the fact that I work hard to keep myself in top physical condition. This summer I am working in Glacier National Park where I spend my off time back country hiking and running, mountain climbing, and mountain biking. I am currently 6' and 165 lbs.
This past season (2015-2016) I once again played for the Whitefish Wolverines of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL). Our team got off to a rough start playing some of the top teams in the league. Due to a season ending injury in October, 2014, a tear to my labrum in my left hip, I did not play in the first two series. I had surgery to repair my labrum and have worked hard to make a 100% recovery and return to playing competitive hockey. Overall last season I appeared in 32 games with 23 starts. Our team struggled last season, but we always played hard, finished strong and made the playoffs. My individual season record was 9-12-1 which included getting the start in net in all four of my team's playoff games. In our first playoff series we swept a higher seeded opponent in 2 games. I had a .922 save percentage and a 2.75 goals against average in those two games. Unfortunately in the second round of the playoffs we were soundly defeated in two games by the Idaho Jr. Steelheads, the eventual league champion. Due in large part to our last 2 games against Idaho my goals against average and save percentage suffered. However, I would gladly take a hit to my individual stats in exchange for the opportunity to be on the ice with my team mates and compete against the eventual league champion. I believe my overall individual statistics do not accurately reflect upon my abilities, but as a goalie that is the reality when you play in a very competitive league with some very talented upper level teams. My team, the Whitefish Wolverines, went 20-31-1 overall in the regular season. My overall goals against average last season was 5.55 and my save percentage was .85%. On November 14th, In a losing effort against the South Oregon Spartans, I believe I had one of my best games since returning from my injury making 50 saves on 55 shots. My games from last season can be viewed on Fast Hockey.
In 2014-2015 I also played for the Whitefish Wolverines (Montana) of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) while I worked part time to help fund my junior hockey experience. Unfortunately, my season was cut short in October when I was injured during a game. I was only able to start 2 games before my injury, with a one regulation loss and one double overtime loss. However, my overall stats in those two starts were a .920 save percentage and a 3.25 GAA.
I am from Marquette, Michigan where I played competitive AA hockey at the pee wee and bantam levels participating in two state tournaments. I attended Marquette Senior High School where I played varsity hockey my sophomore and junior years. Prior to the start of my senior year I moved to Whitefish, MT to play for the Glacier Nationals of the American West Hockey League (AWHL, Tier III junior hockey, now a member of the NA3HL). I lived with a billet family and attended Glacier High School. I finished my senior year with an overall 3.8 GPA finishing the last quarter of high school in Marquette. I was on the honor roll throughout high school, graduating in 2014 with a 3.4 overall GPA while taking a pre-college course of study. I do not intend to enroll in college full time until 2017 when I am done playing junior hockey. I hope to take some college courses part time while I continue to play junior hockey.
My goalie coach in Montana, when I played for the Glacier Nationals and the Whitefish Wolverines, is Josh Steel. Josh is currently the Whitefish Wolverines team GM/Owner. Josh can be reached at 406-763-1015, or at [email protected] . I also attended goal tender training camps from 2010-2012 at the Bandit's Goalie School run by Stan Matwijiw and Joe Messina. The last year I attended their camp I was selected to attend their Jr Elite goalie camp. The Jr Elite camp is an intense five day, 12 hour a day camp with 3 daily on ice sessions, off ice conditioning, and class room work. In 2014 and 2015 I trained privately during the summers with Coach Messina to better prepare me for junior hockey. Coach Messina can be reached on 616-893-6173, or at [email protected] . Please feel free to contact Coach Steel or Coach Messina if you want any further information.
My goal is to continue to play junior hockey, work hard, and improve my skill level so I can one day play college hockey and further my education.
I look forward to talking with you about becoming a part of your hockey team.
I can be contacted at:
906-236-0781
or
[email protected]
I am looking for the opportunity to develop, improve, and advance to my highest potential.
Sincerely,
Ethan Wiese
