By: Drew Rohm
For what many people learned to play the second they started walking, senior Nolan Lazar hit the ice running 10 years into his life.
Lazar found his love for hockey through a friend in 6th grade. He had never skated before but felt that his experience playing football could translate out on the ice. After numerous years of training, Lazar can be found on one of California’s top-ranked hockey teams traveling the country playing the best of the best.
“I wanted to try something new,” Lazar said. “All of my friends were playing so I told myself I’d give it a shot.”
Lazar currently plays on the Anaheim Junior Ducks Triple-A team and for the Costa Hockey team. Lazar had to work hard to get him to where he is today, and this meant starting at the bottom and earning his way up through the ranks. He dedicates his life to playing and training to show he’s got what it takes for the NHL.
“During hockey season, I rarely have any free time,” Lazar said. “I’m either away for a tournament or practicing out in Anaheim with my team.”
Lazar’s hockey team is based out of Anaheim meaning he must commute 50 miles, most days of the week, to go train. He has come accustomed to leaving at 3 and coming home at 11 to eat dinner and finish his school work.
“This sport requires a lot of dedication,” Lazar said. “If you want to make it to the next level, you either have to be filthy or work your ass off to get there.”
Lazar plays as a forward for his team. He uses his small frame, fast feet, and stickhandling to fly by the opposing defenders and score the goals. Lazar does weightlifting to try and get an edge on the taller players.
“A lot of guys out there are bigger than me,” Lazar said. “With my speed and strength, I can power through them.”
Lazar’s future is bright. He is taking a gap year to get scouted for a junior team in hopes of getting a spot on the collegiate level or going to the Canadian Hockey League. From there he can work to get to the “show”.
“I am excited about this new phase in my life,” Lazar said. “This does mean, however, that I must leave my friends and family and go play in a foreign place with a new team.”
Lazar looks up to stars, P.K. Subban, a defenceman for the New Jersey Devils, and Connor McDavid, Centerman for the Edmonton Oilers, for what they do on and off the ice. He analyzes their skating styles and skills in order to play like them.
“These guys epitomize hockey,” Lazar said. “They are tough, fast, and play every game like it’s their last.”
Lazar will not forget where he came from. He thanks his family for all the sacrifices that they had to make to allow him to pursue his dreams. Lazar hopes that he can repay them one day by letting them see his first goal in the National Hockey League.
“My parents have done so much for me,” Lazar said. “Whether it’s coming with me to tournaments or driving me to practice, I know that they believe in me every step of the way.”
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