Third Year Star player, Zack Page, discusses his inspiration on and off the ice, the challenges he's faced, and an interesting experience he had this past summer.
The 20-year-old defenseman from Johnstown PA is no stranger to the world of hockey. As someone who grew up watching the sport, he knew he wanted to be just like Sydney Crosby one day. And at just age 3, Page started taking the ice.
"The whole reason I started was because my dad would watch the Penguins games at home." Page explains. "And I'd be watching and seeing Crosby and tell my dad that I wanted to do what he was doing. As soon as I was able to stand, my parents put me in pads and I was playing." Page explains that the encouragement and support is still there today. "In general, my inspiration is my mom. I look towards her." Lapage says with a laugh, "She texts me to check up all the time to make sure I'm going to class and getting assignments in."
As far as hockey, Page explains that his inspiration is his Uncle Brad, who still tries to play hockey as much as possible.
"He has two kids and still plays once a week, every week." Page says, "That is a point I want to get to after college. I want to keep playing as much as I can for as long as I can."
Now, Page is no stranger to injury or struggle. But even after acquiring a total of 3 concussions throughout his hockey career, that never stopped him from pursuing his passion.
"Three different concussions all because of hockey was definitely something that I've had to get through. And the healing process is long." He explains. "But, I wanted to get back in action and was eventually able to keep playing, luckily. My first concussion was the worst one yet, but I just kept going after."
Hockey has taught Page a variety of things, including the fact that it builds a community of people.
"One thing it's always taught me is that there's always someone who will be your friend." Page says. "Most of the friends I've made are through hockey."
And that is one of the things he loves so much about RMU as well; the fact that it's a community.
"My time at RMU has been really good." Page says. "I picked it for the hockey program and RMU had more of the major I wanted to go for."
In addition to continuing to practice, the hockey star spent this past summer at home doing a variety of things, but one opportunity in particular stuck out the most. While working as an intern for the Johnstown Mill Rats, Page actually got to dress as the mascot for a few games.
"I was a giant buff rat." Page says with a laugh. "I only did it once or twice. It was fun."
The down-to-earth defenseman certainly isn't afraid to try new things or work hard. And he encourages everyone to come out and support RMU hockey.
Stay tuned for all things RMU Club Sports and stream live home games on YouTube @rmucampusrec!
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