Mark Paluski '15 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing hockey since I was eight years old. I became inspired to play hockey when an AHL team moved into the new arena in my hometown. My first time stepping on the ice, was at a hockey clinic coached by AHL players at our arena. That night, I set a goal for myself of playing collegiate hockey and have worked hard and created opportunities on and off the ice to make my goal a reality. Along the way, I realized that hockey is about more than playing a sport. It is about unbreakable bonds between teammates and maturing through the sport.

I am a person who leads by example on and off the ice. A strong work ethic and core value system help me achieve my goals and encourage others. My first high school goalie coach told me that my quality which stood out the most was that no matter what the score, I never gave up. I was honored last year, by receiving a Memorial Award in his name given to the player who most exemplifies leadership and sportsmanship.

In the classroom, I maintain a high GPA in the Honors Program and am a member of the National Honor Society. I am an active member of my church and have volunteered as an alter server for the past eleven years. During the summers, I hold a full-time job working with a catering/tent rental service. In my spare time, I like talking hockey, football, and fishing with my grandfather.

I want to find the right college match at the highest level of competition possible. Ultimately, it will be a college where I can continue to set and achieve my goals on and off the ice. I plan to continue to be a good role model for my peers and make my family proud.