Stewy Stewart Award Essay
Throughout life people find something that intrigues them to extents beyond measure. I found hockey. In my many years of playing hockey it has taken extreme focus, dedication and hard work in the efforts to reach my peak potential. It has shaped my character completely making me the person I have become to this day. The time and effort I have put into reaching my dream has allowed me to get this far, my aspirations towards nothing but excellence have helped me obtain the Division I scholarship that I have strived for since I started playing Junior A hockey. Throughout my whole life I have wished to include hockey in my future, my passion for the game is never die. I have recently committed to the University of Massachusetts and hockey will continue to be the driving force behind my life.
I pride myself on the image I present to my coaches, trainers, teammates and fans. How I act on and off the ice are two things I value and work on everyday. I wish for my team to depend on me and have trustin me as they have become part of the reason why I work so hard. In regards to relationships,I view my teammates and coachesas part of my extended family. When my team elected me as assistant captain this season I can’t begin to describe the extent of honor I felt at that moment. Even though some days are more challenging than others I carry forward the mentality of a leader and guiding others towards excellence as I myself wish to reach. Since earning the title of an assistant captain I have also gained a new respect and appreciation of how my positiveattitudecan positively affect my team. I have learned over my hockey career that my attitude impacts not only my game or image but also that of my whole team.
Attaining success has never been an easy accomplishment.Perseverance has played a huge part in the goals I have reached.I have beencut from all high levels of hockey, which affected my confidence emotionally, mentally and physically.No matter the situationI have always found or dug out the love I feelfor the game. What can be viewed as failures from my past has done nothing but contribute to my dedication to get past my flaws and faults and persevere in the hopes that one day I would reach my dream. Along with the dedication it takes to train in regards to physically obtaining skill comes the blood, sweat and tears that a sport can impact on you personally. Without hockey I don’t know where I would be. The possibilities of University and my position on a Jr.A hockey team have been earned from my perseverance and dedication to be the absolute best hockey player and person that I can become.
With the ongoing trials and tribulations the difficult concept of sportsmanship and the ideals of integrity have been hammered and practiced in my actions and mental being. For some winning isn’t everything, but personally I carry the attitude that losing comes from the occurrences you encounter individually and as a team. With this said, losing is no excuse to act out ofan unsportsmanlike manner.I carry forth the principles of accepting and acting in a certain way that will reflect my teammates and myself in a positive way. I can take pride in my teammates and my efforts if they are the best we can put forth, no matter the outcome.
One thing I have been taught all my life is to always do your best and everything else will follow. No less than 2 years ago the UFA Bison Midget AAA cut me from their team, I was devastated. In that short time I have been lucky enough to join one of the top Jr. A teams in Canada, win an AJHL Championship and commit to an NCAA Division 1 hockey program. Without those who have contributed to building my mental and physical strength I would not have reached the level I am at today. I can take everything that hockey brings and put forth the same mentality in everyday life to better myself as a person. Hockey is not just a game for me; it is my life, my passion and my future.
Yours truly,
Maddison Smiley
Brooks Bandits #22
2012 Alberta Junior Hockey League CHAMPIONS