Biscuit Confessions: Q&A
Our exclusive Q&A series delves into the lives and thoughts of individuals within the hockey community.
In today’s interview we speak with an elite high school hockey player who has been playing the game for over 10 years. In the interview we explore what it means to be an elite player and more.
What got you into hockey in the first place?
Player: I was seven when I first hit the ice. My dad was deployed overseas, and my mom signed me up for a free learn to skate program at the local rink just to keep me busy. I wiped out a lot in the beginning, but something about it just clicked. Hockey began to fill my days more and more—the game gave me structure, confidence, and a community. I can say that now but at the time I just liked to go fast and score goals. It is also why I’m big on what the Giving Dogs is doing—every kid deserves a shot.
Player: I was seven when I first hit the ice. My dad was deployed overseas, and my mom signed me up for a free learn to skate program at the local rink just to keep me busy. I wiped out a lot in the beginning, but something about it just clicked. Hockey began to fill my days more and more—the game gave me structure, confidence, and a community. I can say that now but at the time I just liked to go fast and score goals. It is also why I’m big on what the Giving Dogs is doing—every kid deserves a shot.
Let’s say you weren’t playing hockey—what would you be doing instead?
Player: I will be in school for a few more years but I’d still be around the game somehow—probably coaching or mentoring younger athletes. Hockey shaped who I am today. I can’t picture life without it.
Player: I will be in school for a few more years but I’d still be around the game somehow—probably coaching or mentoring younger athletes. Hockey shaped who I am today. I can’t picture life without it.
What’s something people don’t get about being an elite athlete?
Player: It’s early mornings, late nights, lots of training, lots of travel and healthy eating. It teaches you discipline. You’ve got to stick to your routine if you want to perform, no matter where you are.
Player: It’s early mornings, late nights, lots of training, lots of travel and healthy eating. It teaches you discipline. You’ve got to stick to your routine if you want to perform, no matter where you are.
What do you say to young athletes who feel like they don’t fit in?
Player: I tell them, “You belong.” Doesn’t matter what your background is or gear you have—if you love the game, that’s enough. The Giving Dogs exists to help back that up.
Player: I tell them, “You belong.” Doesn’t matter what your background is or gear you have—if you love the game, that’s enough. The Giving Dogs exists to help back that up.
Tell me about the Giving Dogs?
Player: My friends, family and coaches put me onto it. The Giving Dogs cares about kids in sports, especially ones who don’t have the same access. I joined the board a few years ago and haven’t looked back. We offer scholarships for team fees, training and gear with a focus mostly on hockey and rowing at this point.
Player: My friends, family and coaches put me onto it. The Giving Dogs cares about kids in sports, especially ones who don’t have the same access. I joined the board a few years ago and haven’t looked back. We offer scholarships for team fees, training and gear with a focus mostly on hockey and rowing at this point.
What makes The Giving Dogs stand out from other charities?
Player: The Giving Dogs is a local charity in the Washington DC area. It is small but building something real. We connect with local teams and coaches. We are hands with direct insights into how to make a difference.
Player: The Giving Dogs is a local charity in the Washington DC area. It is small but building something real. We connect with local teams and coaches. We are hands with direct insights into how to make a difference.
I want to help. What’s the best way to support the mission?
Player: Straight-up—donate if you can. But also spread the word. If you know kids who are into sports but do not have the means, connect them to us. Awareness matters just as much as financial support.
Player: Straight-up—donate if you can. But also spread the word. If you know kids who are into sports but do not have the means, connect them to us. Awareness matters just as much as financial support.
What’s next for The Giving Dogs?
Player: We’re stepping into new territory—launching support for lacrosse next. There’s demand, and we’re answering it. Bigger reach, more kids, more opportunity. That’s the play.
Player: We’re stepping into new territory—launching support for lacrosse next. There’s demand, and we’re answering it. Bigger reach, more kids, more opportunity. That’s the play.