Who Ryan Klaers

Grade Junior

Sport Hockey

What position do you play?

Defense.

When did you start playing hockey?

I started playing hockey when I was about three or four years old with my dad and brother on the pond.

What inspired you to play hockey?

My dad really inspired me to play hockey. He played in college and is an outstanding coach and role model. His passion for the game rubbed off on me and I felt very drawn to the challenge of learning to skate.

What is your favorite part about playing hockey?

My favorite parts about hockey are the comradery and the competition. The team is very close and we have a tight bond, and I love the competition and challenge of hockey.

How has hockey impacted your life?

Hockey has impacted my life in a lot of great ways. It has taught me the value of hard work and integrity, and most of all it has put me in contact with some amazing friends and some great coaches who (have) taught me a lot about hockey and life.

What advice would you give to other hockey players?

Advice I would give other hockey players is just as much (effort) has to go in off the ice as on (the ice).

What are some of your goals for hockey?

My goal for hockey is to help the team in any way I can.

How have injuries affected your participation in sports?

Injuries have played a big role in my participation with sports lately, as I sustained a serious concussion. I had to sit out for a long period of time and it was hard to be so idle for so long, but it made me look forward to playing again.

How does playing other sports help you be better at hockey?

Playing other sports really helps with hockey because skills transfer from sport to sport more often than most people think.