MASTERING THE SKILLS AND HABITS IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE ICE TO GET TO BC AND NHL
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The biggest thing I learned from Winch was how to handle adversity. A lot of kids never really experience that in high school and then struggle with it at the college level. It was so important for me to go through all those challenges as a junior, and have great coaches and teachers to help me out with it. Coach Sampson and Coach Troy were so supportive of me and cared a lot about what I did. I could go to both of them and ask them anything at any given time. I still keep in contact with them regularly and will keep in touch with them for the rest of my life.
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Mike capitalized on Winchendon’s personalized academic support to grow as a student. He could have played lacrosse or hockey at college, and chose to pursue his passion on the ice.
- Throughout his time at the Winchendon School, Mike made lasting connections with his fellow students, teachers, and coaches. These close relationships helped him to develop integrity and sportsmanship on and off the athletic field. At the same time, his unstoppable work ethic allowed him to reach his potential both academically and athletically.
- Mike recounted one of his fondest memories at Winchendon coming on the heels of one of his biggest disappointments – when he didn’t get drafted into the USHL as a junior. A couple of his buddies had been picked, but Mike wasn’t and was frustrated. What started as a rough day wound up especially memorable as one of Mike’s teachers, Harry Worrall, spent several hours with Mike refocusing and getting him motivated. Mike still recalls how the thoughtfulness of a faculty member turned a setback into an inflection point for him.
- After graduating, Mike went on to play junior hockey with the Des Moines Buccaneers and the West Kelowna Warriors for his second year. His perseverance and hard work throughout high school and his time playing juniors earned him the attention of college coaches, and after being recruited by a number of D1 schools, he now plays division 1 hockey and studies Applied Psychology at Boston College.
