Jayden

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

To my son, it’s just being on the ice! well, that’s his happy place. He works really hard in school n brings home exceptional grades knowing very well that as a student-athlete, student always comes first! Hockey is where he finds his balance n stress relief or as he calls it, his mental heath program. lol. Basically, it just makes him happy n every time I see him smile or he laughs it makes getting up at 4:50am to skate before school worth every minute I could have been on my nice warm bed. ☺️

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

On ice I’d have to say his biggest inspiration has been Michkov. He’s been really kind to JJ n always stops to talk at the Flyers Training Center. Over all, to be honest.I think his biggest inspiration has been a scout from the Vegas Golden Knights, Vince Williams. He’s really gone out of his way to take Jayden under his wing n work with him. Always doing what he can to explain things n talk Jayden through any question he might have n always is there for him during clinics, lessons, n off ice.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

During playoffs this year at 13 years old during a playoff game, he got injured with an avulsion fracture of his left femur. He spent 6 months in physical therapy, 3 days a week during recovery. 4 and a half months on crutches thru the summer not being able to swim go to the beach, skate, etc.. he never complained just asked what’s next! Even though he couldn’t skate he still had me take him Tues n Thurs to the rink to watch the team he wants to skate for to learn their drills!