Centennial Cup Media Recap – May 19

For Collingwood Blues goaltender Noah Pak, enjoying within the blue paint wasn’t
at all times his first selection. 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 yr, 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 choice 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 purpose initially of
the yr, to earn a possibility to compete for a nationwide championship,”
Pak says in regards to the National Junior A Championship. “I believe we’re ready
and prepared for it with the group round us, but additionally 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 group round him for pushing him to be one of the best model of
himself, on and off the ice.

“The group 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 profitable 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
group.”

Looking ahead to the longer term

Off the ice, Pak can also be making ready himself for what comes subsequent. Committed to
Yale University starting within the fall, Pak understands the significance of
preserving 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 by way of hockey
but additionally on the training aspect of issues, it’s second to none,” Pak says.
“I’m searching for my future as soon as I’m lastly achieved with hockey. It was
undoubtedly a surreal time for me and particularly for my dad and mom with
all the things that they’ve achieved for me, supporting me through the years.”

Although he doesn’t must declare a serious in his first yr at Yale, Pak
is fascinated by business and economics, however desires 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 acquired from his dad and mom over the
years.

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

Pak’s dad and mom, 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 perspective 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 life-style round his hockey schedule. As
lengthy as he’s completely happy, we’ll assist his selections and be there for him.”

As Pak takes the following 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 pacesetter in hockey as properly. Growing up in Oakville, he has seen the
variety of hockey develop and hopes that the pattern continues.

“Hockey is a sport for everyone,” Pak says, who performed AAA with the Oakville
Rangers. “I’ve been fortunate sufficient that my dad and mom supported the selections I
made for myself and I believe 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 pastime, that’s nice as a result of that is one of the best sport there’s.”

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 following stage of their lives.

“I sit up for the following chapter of my profession and my life, and I wish to
be capable of succeed on the subsequent stage as properly,” Pak says. “I wish to do nice
issues at college and with the Bulldogs program, however I’m dwelling within the second
and we’ll see the place hockey takes me.”