Niko Gray '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Niko Gray and I am in my 10th year of playing ice hockey. I played club hockey for the Dallas Junior Hockey Association (Dallas Penguins) for two years at 14U and 16U age levels. I currently play Varsity hockey in the DFW High School Hockey league for the Denton County Spartans and select house hockey for the Frisco Express. I am an Alternate Captain for our top Varsity team. 

I had the privilege of being chosen to play for the U19 USA Floorball team in 2022-2023. We defeated Canada in qualifiers to earn a berth in the World Championships in Denmark in April 2023. In addition to ice hockey and floorball, I play roller hockey when time allows. In the summer of 2021 I won the roller hockey Nationals (State Wars) as a part of Team Texas. 

I currently work as an Engineering Intern for Peak Automation, working on building custom machines. I have been with them since May 2023. Previously, I was a certified level 2 USA Hockey Official and officiated youth and adult hockey games from Feb. 2022 - Feb. 2023. Additionally, in the summer of 2022 and 2023 I volunteered over 20 hours each summer for the Denton Food Center to serve those in need in my community.

What makes me different from other ice hockey players is that I don’t care about my personal stats nearly as much as I care about making the necessary plays to help my team win. I consider myself a smart player that puts defense first. I primarily play center or defense, but can also play on the wing. I‘ll gladly play wherever the coaches need me.  

I love to play hockey and I will continue to work to reach my max potential. I have been skating since age 4 and playing on teams since age 8. I regularly practice stick handling, shooting, and conditioning when not on the ice. In the spring and summer, I play summer league High School hockey, in a fun 3 on 3 league as well as floorball and roller hockey. I also enjoy playing volleyball, basketball, soccer and spending time with friends as I feel it is important to maintain a good balance between sports, academics, and social time. In addition to sports, my other main hobby is writing. I am in the process of writing two books.

In 8th grade, I was named the Alternate Captain for my High School JV team. In 9th grade, I was named Captain of our JV Gold Team and double rostered to the top Varsity Team. In 10th grade I was the team Captain for Varisty Bronze and double rostered to the top Varsity team. In 11th grade, I was selected and rostered for our top Varsity team - Varsity Silver. Currently in 12th grade, I was selected for our top Varsity Team in Varsity Silver and named an Alternate Captain.

My future college plans are to major in an engineering field while playing hockey.