Most kids start playing hockey at the age of five, I was an earlier bloomer. My parents laced up my first pair of skates and put me on the ice at the young age of 2 ½, basically right after I mastered walking.

The biggest challenge was the cost to play the sport, and this is a challenge that my parents faced. They relied on the community and friends and family for support, and I learned to play hockey using second hand equipment.

Playing the sport has taught me about teamwork and how to be a good team player, social skills and most importantly, dedication.

For us [hockey] is an opportunity, myself and my brothers have an opportunity to do something special.

Hockey is an amazing sport and it has definitely had a positive impact on my life. But my dad always said school comes first, and if I didn't do well in school I didn't get to play hockey.

We've [me and brother] been playing hockey for a long time, since we were little kids. I started playing hockey at two and a half. Obviously, playing hockey we want to be known as good hockey players and hard working guys that earn everything they get.

Hockey taught me to challenge myself and be the best I can be on and off the ice.