2019 | Massachusetts | GIRLS

Medfield High School Girls Varsity Ice Hockey | Warriors | GIRLS

The Medfield High School Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Team would like to nominate Laney Ockerbloom to be this years’ Hobey Baker award winner. Over the past 4 seasons, Laney has grown and excelled both on and off the ice and is the definition of a true team player and competitor.

The Hobey Baker award focuses key areas, such as coachability, strength of character, integrity, commitment,
teamwork, community building and outstanding sportsmanship. Laney demonstrates each of these as described below.

Coachability: Laney is the type of person who wishes to grow, learn, improve and excel in everything she sets out to do. In her four seasons on our team, she has grown into a staple on our top offensive line. She has grown stronger, smarter and her maturity as a leader shines through each time she steps on the ice. She is always thinking about the next play, how she can help her team to achieve what it needs to do and pushes herself further and further each time she is on the ice. She listens and understands decisions that need to be made for the good of the team and constantly tries to be the very best teammate she can be out on the ice.

Strength of Character: This season has been one of perseverance. Our tri-captains were put to the test, having to navigate through adversity and learning to breakthrough to communicate with many different types of personalities. Laney and the rest of the captains did a great job of not getting down on themselves, despite difficulties in getting wins on the books. She remained composed, focused and ready to do whatever it would take to get the team back on track. This is a testament to her strength of character. It is easy to be a leader when things are going great but it is a completely different situation when times are tough and you need to put aside your personal feelings to be there for others. Laney has done a tremendous job in this area and we would not be the team we are today without her.

Integrity: Laney is a kid of true integrity. She knows what is right and has been a great role model for the younger girls on our team in showing them what it means to be a great teammate, one that works hard and keeps pushing, no matter what.

Commitment: Hockey is a sport that requires tremendous commitment. The long hours spent traveling to games, sitting in cold rinks, working in the off-season; it is a lot of work. Laney has dedicated herself to ice hockey her entire life, and it certainly shows. She plays club hockey in the off-season and worked on her center position this past fall so she would be ready to go for this season. She saw there was gap that needed to be filled and committed herself to filling it. She never complains and is laser focused each time she gets out on the ice. She knows the drills, she knows where she needs to be on the ice and executes. Without commitment, she would not be the strong player is she today.

Teamwork: As a captain, it is important that you are constantly reiterating the importance of working as a team. The saying “you are only as strong as your weakest linkâ€_x009d_ is 100% true. No one player can do it all and expect to carry the team to a state championship. Laney understands this and is dedicated to making those around her better. Whether it is challenging her teammates during practice, cheering them on during a shift or picking them up when they need it, Laney wants the team to always remember the importance of teamwork.

Community Building: Laney not only dedicates herself to ice hockey but also aspires to help those around her by becoming a nurse. Going into the medical field shows her compassion and yearning to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. She has such a big heart and I have no doubt will excel in this profession.

Outstanding Sportsmanship: I never have to worry about Laney being disrespectful on the ice. She has never talked back to an official, the other team or coaches. She handles herself with poise and maturity. As a coach, I look to Laney to reel the girls in when they need it, focus them when they are getting out of control and lead by example.