Justin Song '18 Recruiting Profile

    From the time I started skating (age 2) and throughout the years of playing this amazing game of hockey,  I've always wanted more.  More experiences, more challenges and more opportunities to become a better player,  a better team mate and an all-around better person.     Everyday I strive to be the best I can be.  Being part of this game has afforded me the opportunity to apply what I've learn on the ice, off the ice in real life situations.  Managing my time effectively, dealing with adversity, celebrating wins and learning from loses.  I can't imagine another sport being able to mold a young kid into a well rounded young adult.

    Last year I made Varsity as a Sophomore and worked very hard to prove to myself, my team and my coaches that they made the right decision picking me.  I consider myself an offensive defensemen.  Knowing when to join the rush, step in and contain the puck in the offensive zone and make plays to increase scoring chances for my team without giving up the responsibilities of a defensemen.  My rookie season was successful, highest +/- on the team (+24), equal amounts of goals (7) and assists (7) and achieving All-State honorable mention.

    Coming from a public school, transitioning into the intense curriculum at Cranbrook-Kingswood was a challenge. A lot was asked of me and honestly,  I truly struggled delivering all of it. Especially at the level I had grown accustomed to. Throughout my two years of high school, I've learned how to mange my time more effectively, reach out to my teachers for support and utilize the vast tools and resources available to me.  Now in some eyes a 3.1 GPA is solid, but in mine and my parents eyes, it's not enough. This upcoming Junior year, I'm committed on improving my GPA by staying laser focused on ensuring the immense workloads are completed timely and accurately all while managing the intense hockey schedule. My goal is to graduate with a minimum GPA of a 3.5-3.6.

    Growing up, it was never a question of whether I'd play hockey.  The question was, when will I start.  Having an older brother to watch while growing up, I wanted to do nothing more than play hockey. I've played on many teams AAA and AA and have learned everything from the high tempo of the AAA caliber play style to being calm and collective when handling the puck in AA. All of these experiences have  helped me reach one of my goals; being a key player on my varsity team at Cranbrook. I left the AAA programs and opted to play AA for the opportunity to play for Fred Perlini.  His style of coaching was more balanced and well rounded, focusing on not only game situations but all around skill development. One of the best decisions I've made. While at Cranbrook, under then leadership of Coach Weidenbach, I have learned a great deal more about the game and feel like the coaches here are truly committed to each players success.

    Like most hockey players, the ultimate goal is to play in the NHL.  Realistically, my goal is to play college hockey while pursuing my degree. (PreMed) I've been asked would I prefer to go to a winning team or a team that needs help.  My answer is always the same, either one.  Being part of a winning program would be amazing, however, being part of creating a winning program would be just as exciting, if not more exciting.

    Even though I am not a drafted player or am committed to a team/college, I still give back as much as I can. I've helped out in kids hockey camps as a hockey camp counselor.  I've also helped out at goalie camps as a shooter and camp counselor. It's an amazing feeling knowing you can leave a positive impression on a young hockey player. I volunteer within the community and hep those that are less fortunate.

    To be prepare for the upcoming season, I have worked all summer with TPH (Total Package Hockey).  I have tried out and have been selected for both the TPH Top 80 and the MDHL.  I will also be participating in our Fall Hockey League (BHHA). Participating in all 3 is certain to better prepare me for a successful upcoming season.