2023 | Massachusetts | BOYS

Bourne High School | Canalmen | BOYS

Most hockey player’s success can be marked by what they offer their team on the ice, and while that is certainly true of Owen, it is his work for his team that has always been shown off-ice that is remarkable. Owen’s hockey career hasn’t gone quite as he planned. When Owen entered our program as an 8th grader the team was in the sectional semi-finals, and he was a part of a core of young players ready to take the torch for future team success. After a couple years of COVID shutdowns and restrictions hampering the season, in the 3rd game of Owen’s junior year he broke his arm. While Owen was injured and unable to play almost the rest of the season, he was still at every practice and each game providing encouragement and helping his teammates to the best of his ability. Currently Owen is the only senior on a young team who has faced every challenge head on. Owen began by organizing weekly skates where he invited all players who were interested, including 8th graders, and scheduled players to work at a local goalie clinic. Owen also spearheaded our community service outings at the National Cemetery for Veterans Day, our local Homeless for the Holidays fundraiser, showing up as a team to read to our local elementary aged students, and at our local youth hockey tournament. All of these team events coupled with Owen’s ability to build relationships and create an inclusive atmosphere has changed the direction of the team moving forward. In one season Owen has helped create a culture that has left his younger teammates excited about the future and staying to play for their hometown team. Too often it’s the person who simply scores all of the goals who gets the awards, but from my point of view Owen’s contributions to our team have been more impactful and will continue to be felt for years to come. For these reasons plus so many more is why I feel Owen Surrette would be a great recipient of the Hobey Baker Character Award.