Hudson Crusaders

Zac, 18, considers playing hockey relaxing in a way, but an intense sport nonetheless. His dad was a big hockey fan and that’s what got him into it 13 years ago. Before his first season as a defenseman with the Crusaders, he worked hard on the Riverside Brookfield High school team in his native LaGrange, IL and considers making the championship winning goal his sophomore year to a highlight. He wants the Crusaders to make it to Nationals again this year and long term he wants to keep playing on a college team. He works on his skills on and off the ice and concentrates on getting in shape. During practice, he’s most productive when coaches are straight with him on what he does wrong and help him to correct it. He brings good vision and team mentality to the Crusaders. While he’s looking for employment this season and considering online classes, he’s getting support from his billet family, the Pages. He enjoys golf and snowboarding.

View Kirby's stats: MnJHL Website 

Starting his second year as a Crusader, the Appleton WI native’s goals have changed. “Now I know how hard I have to work to be the best I can be.” Building from the trip to Nationals last season and great memories he has with “some of the best guys I know,” Mike wants the Crusaders not just to get to Nationals again this season, he strives to win Nationals. He’s also watched his attitude change and wants to be more of a leader to first year players. During the off season he went to school for half the summer, played hockey two times a week and worked out every other day to get himself in the best shape he could be come season time.

Mike still admits there are things he needs to work on, just like any other hockey player. For example, he needs to work on his stickhandling and vision on the ice. “These are just two of the many things that Total Hockey helps with,” he comments. His advice to younger players starting junior hockey is to take advantage of the opportunity and play every game with everything they got. “If you do this, your future is in your hands and anything is possible.”

During the season Mike is working at Total Hockey and taking online classes. He works out, plays poker, fishes and boats in his spare time. More importantly, Mike spends “glorious time with my teammates.” He is sharing an apartment with fellow players Nick Townes and Mackie Hayman. 

Michael stats: MnJHL website 

After Eric moved from Baltimore, MD to Madison, WI his dad took him to a Badgers game and he’s been in love with hockey every since. Eleven years later at 18 years old as a forward with the Crusaders, he enjoys being part of a team the most. He was All Conference three years in high school and went to Nationals his junior and senior year with the Madison WEHL U18. This season his goal is to get better as a person and player, and eventually play college hockey. He considers his speed and hockey sense his strengths. He’s motivated by a coach that is always on him about everything because “then I know he [the coach] knows I can do better.” He realizes that at this level, every team is working hard. However, he’s going to work harder. 

Eric will utilize Total Hockey to improve all parts of his hockey game and gain muscle and weight. He will also be part of the Total Hockey staff to help younger kids improve their skills.

Eric also enjoys golf, hanging out with friends and working out. He’s supported by his billet family member Stephanie Shaffer. 

Eric's stats: MnJHL website