Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 17

For Collingwood Blues goaltender Noah Pak, enjoying within the blue paint wasn’t
at all times his first alternative. But that modified after he reluctantly strapped on
the pads for the primary time.

“No one wished to play goalie within the first sport of the 12 months, so my dad
volunteered me to do it,” Pak recollects. “I used to be upset about it, crying as I
placed on the pads, however I completed the sport, I actually loved it and I used to be
actually glad my dad put me in there.”

It’s a call that has been fruitful for Pak; the 19-year-old has
developed into one in every of Canada’s prime junior A netminders this season. Leading
the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with 16 wins, together with a glowing
1.37 goals-against common and .947 save share, Pak backstopped the
defensively sound Blues to their first-ever OJHL championship banner to

qualify for the Centennial Cup

.

“It’s been a dream for lots of our gamers and our objective firstly of
the 12 months, to earn a chance to compete for a nationwide championship,”
Pak says concerning the National Junior A Championship. “I feel we’re ready
and prepared for it with the workforce round us, but in addition attempting to soak all of it in
and actually benefit from the expertise on the nationwide stage.”

The Oakville, Ont., native was named OJHL playoff MVP for his stellar play,
however as a lot as he’s getting the highlight for his particular person efficiency,
he credit the workforce round him for pushing him to be the most effective model of
himself, on and off the ice.

“The workforce and the tradition in Collingwood have helped me develop as a participant
on the ice and as an individual off the ice,” Pak says. “With our mindset, there
was by no means a doubt in successful the championship, and with all these particular person
stats, they’re nice, however on the finish of the day, we’re all right here to win as a
workforce.”

Looking ahead to the long run

Off the ice, Pak can be getting ready himself for what comes subsequent. Committed to
Yale University starting within the fall, Pak understands the significance of
maintaining his profession alternatives open, whether or not that’s on the ice or past.

After showcasing his skills on the Cottage Cup in Collingwood early in
the pandemic-shortened 2021-22 season, Pak didn’t hesitate to decide to the
Bulldogs when the chance arose.

“It was a no brainer for me, with this system they run when it comes to hockey
but in addition on the schooling facet of issues, it’s second to none,” Pak says.
“I’m searching for my future as soon as I’m lastly completed with hockey. It was
positively a surreal time for me and particularly for my mother and father with
every little thing that they’ve completed for me, supporting me over time.”

Although he doesn’t have to declare a significant in his first 12 months at Yale, Pak
is desirous about business and economics, however needs to maintain his choices open,
whether or not that’s in hockey or faculty. Regardless of what path he chooses, Pak
is grateful for all of the assist he’s obtained from his mother and father over the
years.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my parents,” he says. “They’ve put in
numerous hours driving and getting ready me for video games, the sum of money
they’ve put into my gear and coaching, so at any time when I sort of look again at my
achievements, I’m at all times grateful.”

Pak’s mother and father, Dennis and Nancy, have at all times identified their son is able to
taking care of himself. Whether it was his dedication to preparation earlier than
video games, his angle to beat challenges or his determination to go the NCAA
route, they understood what hockey meant to him and the household’s bond
strengthened due to it.

“His determination always stood out to us,” Dennis says. “He’s put within the
work into his coaching, he was decided to develop near dwelling in
Collingwood, and we’ve tailored our way of life round his hockey schedule. As
lengthy as he’s blissful, we’ll assist his selections and be there for him.”

As Pak takes the subsequent step into his hockey profession, on the Centennial Cup
this weekend and right into a busy summer season, he’s understanding the significance of
turning into a frontrunner in hockey as properly. Growing up in Oakville, he has seen the
variety of hockey develop and hopes that the development continues.

“Hockey is a sport for everyone,” Pak says, who performed AAA with the Oakville
Rangers. “I’ve been fortunate sufficient that my mother and father supported the choices I
made for myself and I feel anybody can attempt to strap on the pads or lace on
skates so if I can encourage even only one child to pursue hockey as a profession or
even simply as a passion, that’s nice as a result of that is the most effective sport there may be.”

While Pak is targeted on bringing a nationwide title again to Collingwood, he’s
additionally ensuring he and his teammates are soaking within the expertise collectively
earlier than they transfer onto the subsequent stage of their lives.

“I stay up for the subsequent chapter of my profession and my life, and I wish to
have the ability to succeed on the subsequent degree as properly,” Pak says. “I wish to do nice
issues in school and with the Bulldogs program, however I’m residing within the second
and we’ll see the place hockey takes me.”