Kirk Leach '21 Recruiting Profile

I’ve been playing hockey for longer than I can remember. The game is a part of my childhood, so it is a part of me. Since the first time I ever stepped on the ice, I knew that I wanted to play at the highest level, against the best competition. However, it wasn’t until after we were knocked out of the playoffs in my freshman year of high school that I realized playing hockey was a necessity to me. As I sat there in the locker room, unsuccessfully choking back tears, the pain of losing quickly turned to the dread that I wouldn’t be playing at the same intensity I was used to all season for another nine months. I made a promise to myself that I would continue to play hockey for as long as I can, and never take a second with my teammates for granted. I have been lucky to achieve what I have in the time I’ve been playing, including being named captain of my high school team, but I am hungry for more. I want to keep winning, and I want to do it by working hard. It’s fun to win a game 10-0 and have 6 points, but nothing beats a 2-1 final in overtime. Those are the ones you remember.

My goals for the future are simple; I want to go to a college that will provide me with a good education, and I want to bring pride to that school by playing hockey at my highest level for them. I want to continue pursuing my love of the game, and I’ll be grateful wherever that brings me. Despite that, I don’t want to just be “happy to be there,” but I want to prove my abilities to whoever will let me.