Nolan Patrick '20 Recruiting Profile

Hockey has been a part of my life since the age of 4. Throughout my hockey journey, there have been a lot of roller coaster emotions that I have experienced; I was a team's 'first pick' and also a 'last pick'; I have been the coaches 'go-to' skater who gets double shifted and I have had games where I roughly get 5 shifts; I have been the guy scoring the winning goal in the last 2 seconds of a game, but also failed to score within the last two seconds; I have played on a team that accomplished an undefeated season, a State championship, and placed 3rd in the U-16 National Tournament. I have also been on teams that lost many games and won very few. I have played with coaches and teammates who have been inspiring and supportive and have played with coaches and teammates who have been discouraging and provided poor examples. 

While I do believe that all of these ups and downs are part of the game and part of growing into a strong and confident player, I think what I have learned the most through these varied experiences is how much playing hockey has taught me about perseverance and hard work. Success has been exhilarating and satisfying, but adversity has been what has allowed me to learn and grow. I value hard work and teamwork, and I won't give up when it gets tough. I am quietly confident and believe actions speak louder than words. I am as dedicated with other sports and with school as I am on the ice. I actively participate in class, I study hard and I realize the importance of good grades. There is a quote that I have posted on my bedroom wall which motivates me. It says, "If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it." 

I think often about playing hockey for a college that will support my personal goals as well as my hockey aspirations. I am prepared to bring everything I have learned about commitment and hard work into being a great student and a valuable athlete to my team and school.