I am a 16 year old goalie hockey player. I started playing hockey when I was 11. Started off as a center and defenseman. During one of our games, our goalie wasn't able to play. I asked the coach if I can give it a try, I was 13. That is when I realized I wanted to be a permanent goalie. I fell in love with the position instantly. I am not afraid to take risks and I'm always up for new challenges. That' what being a goalie means to me. Risks, and always developing and learning. Every time I see that coach, I always thank him for giving me the opportunity to play goalie. I think because of him I would not be where I am today.
At 14 I was called up to play "midget" hockey now U18. I gave the team their first win. Their first shut out. It was an amazing feeling. Their goalie had health issues and I was asked to stay on permanently. That year I was playing double duty. Playing for my regular team and playing for the U18 team. Coaches from other teams started to take notice. When they found out how old I was, they were shocked. While playing with U18, I became friends with one of the defenseman. Turns out she is Lebanese, as am I (Lebanese decent). Her mom asked if I wanted to come out and meet some of the women from the Lebanese women' hockey team. I met Charles El-Mir the President of the Women's Lebanese Hockey Federation. We hit it off immediately. He asked me if I would like to join the team. Without really seeing me play he took that chance on me. That chance took me to Miami, Florida. In October 2021 I had the opportunity to play in Amerigol Latam Cup - Women. I was the youngest player in that tournament. We played teams like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia just to name a few. I had 4 shut outs during that tournament and we placed 4th overall. That was an amazing experience. We do have a few more tournaments scheduled for the new year. One of them will be in China. I have practiced and played with the girls in Montreal.
Currently I play in the U18 Division for the Stittsville Rockets. The season has just begun. I have 2 shutouts. 1 loss. I am still doing my goalie training with Trainer Craig Boassaly who is also a goalie trainer for the Men's Lebanese Hockey Federation. We do lots of dryland and on ice training.
From a little age I've always been interested in sports. My parents put me in Karate class where I achieved my black belt. I do think what I learned in karate comes into play while being a goalie. The discipline, the quickness, and just finding calm in the game. I have played basketball, football and playing baseball in the summer. My parents say that I'm a quick learner and adapt very well to sports. My parents of course are my biggest champion. I wouldn't be where I am without their support.
My goal is to be a full-time firefighter. I enjoy being around people but I also enjoy helping people. Like a goalie, firefighters need to be quick thinkers, strong and courageous. Firefighters face challenging situations and split-decisions need to made. I'm active and I do have the requirements for the physical and endurance aspect to be a firefighter. For me being a firefighter would be a rewarding career.
To sum it all up, my passion is hockey. Hockey is supposed to be fun. Something I live by. I always remind myself why do I play this sport? Because it's fun. You build relationships on and off the ice. Dedication, persistence and strong work ethic is the key to everything. School, sports and home life.