Alex Strachan '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Alex Strachan. I am a 16-year-old sophomore attending Hamburg High School, in Hamburg, NY. I am currently entering my 13^th year playing organized hockey. I started playing on a summer development team when I was 4 years old. I played in a winter league when I was 4-1/2 years old. I started playing AAA travel hockey when I was 7 years old. I have played on countless elite spring and summer tournament teams. I was asked to play on one of the first American teams in the Canadian Draft Day tournaments.  2022-2023 will be my 7^th year as a Buffalo Jr. Sabre. I was made captain this season. 

As an elite player, my attributes are my high hockey IQ, my ability to see the whole ice, awareness of where my teammates are, and my knowledge of the game. I play a well-rounded 2-way game. I consider myself a play maker. Being depended on for almost every game situation has always been a huge responsibility in my hockey career.

Scoring is very important, but my job isn’t to mainly concentrate on me scoring. My focus has always been to keep my feet moving and get to the puck every time, as quickly as possible. I will always fight to free it up, while at the same time staying aware of my surroundings, so I can create opportunity to get the puck to one of my teammates. I primarily concentrate on putting myself and my linemates in the best possible position to score. That’s the bottom line. That is why I am out there. Ice time is not just given to me, I must earn it.

I am fiercely loyal to my teammates, and I will always put them first. It is more important to lead by example. I strive to make substantial contributions to my team in any way required of me. I never play as an individual. A team can only succeed if they play as one unit.

I am primarily a centerman, although I have played both winger positions as well. I understand each hockey position, its primary responsibility and its function. I cannot win every time, but I will always strive to. I do not have all answers, but I am willing to learn. I will always remain teachable.

I have always been considered a smaller hockey player. My size has never hindered my performance on the ice. It has never adversely affected my ability to play the game successfully. It has never had a negative impact on any game I participated in. It has never been a liability. In fact, I feel it has been an asset.

I always play with high intensity and heart. I use my time traveling to a game to focus and educate myself on my opponent. I pay attention to the players I face.

I try to image every possible challenge presented during a game, then I visualize the best way to meet that challenge. I want to be ready to do whatever is necessary to help my team win.

It is important to mention, that I feel fortunate to have a family that have always supported, not only my love of sports, but everything I do. My mom and dad, believed in me always. They made me believe in myself when I had doubt. The reason I can make this statement today, is primarily because of their sacrifice, encouragement, and love.

My parents paved the way for me to play the sport I love most, and sports have taught me that I can meet any challenge that comes my way. That is my philosophy on and off the ice. If my mind can see it, it can happen. I need only, be afforded the opportunity.