Aidan Priestley '22 Recruiting Profile

Ever since growing up I have played and loved hockey. I started when I was five and since then, the rink has become my second home. As a dual U.S./Canadian citizen living close to the border, I have had the privilege of experiencing hockey culture in both countries incorporating different playing styles into my game.

In 2022, my Varsity team won the Ohio High School Division 1 Hockey State tournament, the first for our school in any men’s sport. That season changed me a lot as we started the year with some struggles, ups and downs early in the year and as a team, we came together to believe in ourselves to get to States. Being part of a winning culture and a team that knows to get there we must do the work, was special. After graduating and another year at 18AAA, I spent my first year of junior hockey in Philadelphia with PHC in the EHL.

Beyond the rink, I have embraced academic challenges. I attended Gilmour Academy in Ohio,  a school where academics and hard work matters.  At Gilmour, I not only laced up my skates but also participated in cross country running. Balancing athletics and academics, requires time management, commitment, and having a strong work ethic. With a 3.4 GPA from both Gilmour Academy and Roosevelt High School, it demonstrates that I am committed to excelling both on and off the ice.

As a defensive-minded forward, I take pride in my ability to read the game and anticipate plays. I pride myself in the role of a two-way player, contributing both defensively and offensively. While I love playing center and excel at the penalty kill, I am willing and ready to take on any role that my team needs me to take on and am liked and respected in the locker room. I like to use my playmaking skills to create scoring opportunities and I approach each shift with determination and a team-first mentality.

Hockey is not just about individual achievements; it is about the collective effort of the team. I make sure I am encouraging my fellow players, celebrating their victories, and lifting them up during challenging moments. The camaraderie in the locker room and the shared pursuit of excellence are one of the things I most enjoy about playing hockey and what drives me to give my all every time I step onto the ice.

My dream is to continue my hockey journey at the collegiate level, where I can continue to develop academically and athletically and that shares my passion and determination to grow. Playing at the NCAA level would be an honor to combine my love for the game with a top-tier education, and I am ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.