Playing the sport has taught me about teamwork and how to be a good team player, social skills and most importantly, dedication.
I instantly connected with the sport and I have fond memories of growing up on my skating rink that my dad made for us in our backyard.
A huge part of my passion for the sport comes from being Canadian and growing up watching Hockey Night in Canada on CBC with my parents and siblings.
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.
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.
My dad has always said to me, "where there is a will there is a way" and this is the type of dedication hockey has taught me. Being dedicated to this sport [hockey] has been my will to play.
Playing in the NHL, it's a great job, it's a great life to live, and we just want to have the opportunity to do that. That's going to come from our hard work and dedication to the sport. As far as being black players in the league, obviously it's great.
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