While some athletes put on cleats or sneakers, this athlete laces up his skates. Sophomore Ethan Albaugh has grown passionate about hockey over the years, and has fallen in love with skating across the ice from the moment his dad introduced him to the sport.

     “My dad and his friend liked hockey and watched it all the time. I was really interested in it and liked it a lot so I thought, might as well get into it,” Albaugh said. 

   Albaugh plays for the team Springfield Spirit and has accomplished much throughout his hockey career. One of which is being named Defenseman of the Year.

   “This was really exciting for me because it gave me confidence in saying I was the best on my team. I was really excited to get to that level,” Albaugh said.  

   Big achievements call for a busy schedule. Albaugh couldn’t have made it to this level without hard work and dedication, as well as filling his days with practices and conditioning.

   “I have school, and I workout every day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have practice from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., then I have two games every weekend,” Albaugh said. 

   Being an athlete takes discipline and independence, but he doesn’t do it alone. His parents have been extremely supportive throughout his hockey career.

   “My mom and my dad have been my biggest supporters. They drive me to everything and have always supported me,” Albaugh said. 

   Nearly every athlete has someone that they see as a role model. Whether it’s a player on their favorite team, or just a star athlete, it is always good to have someone to look up to. In Albaugh’s case, it is an athlete that plays the same position as him on the Colorado Avalanche. 

   “My idol is Cale Makar, because he is also a number one defenseman,” Albaugh said. 

    Throughout his hockey career, Albaugh has worked towards his goals with hard work, support from his family, and keeping up with his busy schedule. Though the future can be unclear for young athletes, Albaugh knows that he wants to continue his sport through his college years.

   “I either want to play for Lindenwood or Missouri State University,” Albaugh said. 

   Though goals and role models motivate this young athlete, emotion also plays a role in why he decides to continue the sport.

   “Hockeys like an outlet for my emotions, and it is something to do in my past time,” Albaugh said.