Soo Eagles Hockey Team

On October 10, 2012, I attended a Lake Superior Elders’ presentation given by three members of the Soo Eagles Hockey Team.  They introduced themselves and stated that they were from Howell, MI; Toledo, OH; and Chicago, IL.  They ended up in Sault Ste. Marie for the sole purpose of playing for a Junior League Hockey team.  They have aspirations of playing hockey for universities and possibly move onto professional hockey leagues.  Two of the players are also college bound with plans on pursuing careers in physical therapy and television and/or radio broadcasting.  They said taking the two years off from attending college from the time they were 18 until they turned 20 helped prepare them for college.  They know what they want to do and they didn’t waste two years of college partying. The youngest of the three wants to play hockey at this point and works nights at Taco Bell to pay for staying at his host home in the Sault Ste. Marie which costs $350. per month.

His parents stated that when he turned 18, he was responsible for his expenses. His parents did make major sacrifices the previous year and spent approximately $22,000. to cover travel and other hockey expenses so that he could play for the junior hockey league.

They explained that they are superstitious and dress the same way when they prepare for practicing and playing games.  The youngest reported that they rely on luck so they prepare for each game and practice by practicing specific rituals and this was demonstrated. He put on his gear in the order in which he does every time.  First of all he donned hischin guards after the chin guards he put on his pants, then he put on his shoulder, chest and back pads, and then his elbow pads.  His shirt, gloves and helmet were next.  He puts on his left chin pad, left glove and left elbow pad first.  He has always dressed that way.  I found it interesting that they are superstitious and rely on luck and not their skill.  They must be very skilled at playing hockey since all three played hockey since they were young boys attending elementary school.

One of elders asked if they got hurt and one replied that he had to have a metal plate put in his cheek and another reported that he broke his wrist a couple of times. 

The team has sponsors who pay for their jerseys, pucks, ice time, sticks, etc.  The parents usually pay for their skates which can cost approximately $900.  Since they come from all over the United States to play hockey, their parents can watch them play on-line for $8.  The website is sooeagles.net.  You can also listen to the games on the channel 1400 radio station. 

Another interesting point they told us about is that it is not recommended that they play high school hockey because this level is not enough of a challenge for them.  So in high school they move away from home to play junior hockey.  They said it makes them grow up faster because they are away from their parents and living with other families.  There are five high school students playing for the Soo Eagles.

The three young men demonstrated that they are very proud of what they do, playing hockey for the Soo Eagles and they love playing hockey, absolutely love it.  They appeared to be nice and enjoyed providing the elders with this presentation.  They welcomed all questions and addressed the group with genuine sincerity.  I look forward to watching them play on Friday night.