His dedication is unprecedented, and is equal to that of an Olympian preparing for the ultimate goal of shaving a tenth of a second off their time.
But for 15-year-old Alexander Snow, that dedication comes second nature, as he’s willing to do almost anything to succeed at one of his greatest passions, the game of hockey.
A Grade 10 student at Baie Verte Collegiate, Mr. Snow started playing hockey at the tender age of three. Since then his achievements have not been small, as the teenager is gaining national recognition for his abilities on the ice.
“I got picked to be part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Winter Games team,” he said.
The team will compete in Halifax in February.
Mr. Snow is part of a team comprised of 20 players and two goalies. To earn his place on the team, he attended try-outs across the province.
“They held camps in all regions of the province. Then out of those camps, they picked 68 players to attend a camp in Gander,” he explained.
It was at that camp team officials formed the Canada Games roster to what it is today, with Mr. Snow listed as one of the forwards.
Growing up in Baie Verte, he was part of the minor hockey program where he says he learned much of what he knows today.
“I’ve learned a lot growing up in minor hockey,” he said. “Also, my dad has been a great help, because he’s been involved in every team I’ve been part of.”
Hockey is definitely something the Snow family takes seriously, as Alex’s older brother, Brandon, is also a hockey player, currently playing Junior C in Nova Scotia.
In addition to the Canada Games, Mr. Snow said his participation on the ice doesn’t stop there, because he’s also part of the Central Icepak Triple A team, which includes players from Baie Verte to Glovertown.
“I drive to Lewisporte every Thursday after school for practice with the Icepak,” he said.
He sees it as a sign of dedication to the team, since he usually doesn’t return home until at least midnight.
The Icepaks recently attended Monctonia in Moncton, New Brunswick, which is a tournament consisting of every major midget team in Atlantic Canada.
While the team’s success in the tournament was humble, recognition came for Mr. Snow when he was picked to be part of the prospect team for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
“They picked 20 players to make the prospect team for the Quebec major junior scouts,” he explained.
The team was made up of players from across Atlantic Canada, and in the game they played Mr. Snow managed to land an assist.
The recognition was a huge step in the teenager’s attempt to eventually be drafted by the league and to pursue a career on the ice for many years to come.
“This is my draft year, the season for Triple A is almost over so after that we’re hoping to get a call from some team in the QMJHL. If it happens, then great, but then on the other hand, it might not, so we’ll have to see.”
The young prospect is also in the running for Major Midget League Rookie of the Year, thanks to his accomplishments in the Triple A system. As for the young man from Baie Verte, perhaps his hard work can be attributed to one thing, and one thing alone. When asked how he feels about hockey in general, Mr. Snow gave a very simple answer.
“I love it.”
