MEET SAM!
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Samantha but my friends call me Sam. I am from a small town near Haverhill MA and I work at an elementary school. When I was younger I played roller hockey in the neighborhood and fell in love with the sport. One of the kids I used to play with passed away my senior year of high school and that lit the fire under me to actually start playing hockey. I went out and bought a used pair of hockey skates, that I later found out were the wrong size, and went to public skates. One day I was chatting with a gentleman who sold hockey gear for a living and informed me I was using the wrong hockey stick because my dominant hand wasn’t on top. I didn’t believe him at first, but after making the switch I see a huge difference with my puck control now. I then reached out and found a family member who’s sons’ played hockey and used their old gear until I could finally upgrade to gear that fit better.
I went to my first ever public stick time hoping to practice and the moment I stepped on the ice a game broke out. My own teammate knocked me over and I couldn’t keep up at all. It was very discouraging. I then made friends with the workers at the rink and they informed me of a such thing as beginner leagues. At first I could only find beginner leagues for young kids. My mom tagged me in a post she saw of a beginner league for people my age through the WHL of Boston. I was nervous but I gave it a shot and never regretted it. I now play on their beginner league and am improving and hoping to one day move up to the next level. I have met a wonderful group of ladies who are all very supportive of one another.
What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?
I wanted to be a WHL Ambassador because I would like to see more ladies feel more comfortable starting at whatever age they may be and helping create more opportunities. The more we can spread the word the more ears it will reach and hopefully others will join in on the fun.
What are you most looking forward to as a #WHLAMBASSADOR?
As an ambassador, I am looking forward to being the role model to the kids I work with and others to show them that no matter your level of skill or age you can always improve and try new things.
What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
Something not a lot of people know about me is that I don’t like cake! It sounds silly, but that is something that usually surprises people about me. I can also balance things on my nose. When I was younger my dad came to school for an event and started balancing my ruler on his nose during story time and distracted the entire class. After that I learned how to do it too.
If you could sit down and have dinner with one female hockey player, who would it be and why?
If I could sit down with any female hockey player I think it would be Sammy Davis with the Boston Pride. I don’t know many women hockey players, but she shares the same number as me and I would love to hear her story. I am also new to hearing about the Boston Pride. Growing up I never heard of women’s hockey in college or professional and I would love to talk about the journey and challenges she may have faced.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in hockey or in life?
The best advice I have been given in hockey that also applies to life is to just have fun! My family has been a huge support in me starting this journey and I am so appreciative of them. My mom went with me to my first ever stick time. My brother was going with me to skills to help give me pointers. My dad gives me tips when I’m shooting to increase my power. And all of them went to my first ever championship game. Whenever I look nervous they always tell me to just have fun and I end up having a blast!
What’s your dream for women’s hockey?
My dream for women’s hockey is to one day have more brands and gear more easily accessible to women. It’s possible to fit in men’s gear, but to have something that is actually contouring to your body and makes it easier to move as well as good protection would be fantastic. There is such a small selection of women’s gear it’s actually frustrating. I would love to one day open a women’s hockey store that would have all the different gear options available to try on instead of having to order online and return because it doesn’t fit. One day it will be easier for ladies to join, shop and feel inclusive.
CONNECT WITH SAM:
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