Simon Banas '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Simon Banas. I was born on March 15, 2003 in Hartford, CT. Both of my parents are from Poland, a country in Eastern Europe. Since my parents did not have a lot of opportunities as kids, they sacrificed a lot in order to make my life better. I started learning how to skate when I was 3 and I started playing hockey when I was 4 years old. Around my second season, I discovered that hockey was my passion and that I want to work to get as high as I possibly can in the sport. I started out playing forward, but I eventually switched to playing defense due to my hockey sense and ability to make plays. I understand the importance of playing as a team, not as a group of individuals. I also understand how hockey is a team sport, and that the team succeeds when the players work together to win. I know what it takes in order to become a better player through rigorous training and conditioning exercises. I am looking to play on a team that takes the game seriously, as well as a team comprised of players that understand the game and understand the importance of playing as a team. I always keep up my work in school, and I know that I have to succeed in the classroom as well as on the ice. I take many honors classes in my school and I keep up my grades because I am always told that school always comes before hockey. Whenever I can, I take part in other activities at my school. I play tenor saxophone in the school band and I also play lacrosse. I am also a member of the National Beta Club. My goal is to play Division 1 college hockey, since it combines both academics and hockey. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of playing professional hockey for a living and I have been working for my whole life to achieve this goal. I take this game very seriously and I will do whatever it takes to become a better hockey player and to one day achieve my goals.