2021 | Virginia | BOYS

Independence High School | Tigers | BOYS

Michael Cali is the Alternate Captain of the Independence High School Varsity Hockey Team. Michael has been a four year starter for the Indy Tigers and its predecessor Rock Ridge High School. Michael exemplifies Excellence, Sportsmanship, Strength of Character, Commitment and A Love for the Game. When Independence High School opened in 2019, the prospect of assembling a “pureâ€_x009d_ varsity hockey team seemed improbable. That year, the team was forced to merge with another team due to the lack of a goal tender and sufficient players. During the 2019-2020 season, as a junior, Michael was named Alternate Captain and immediately took on a leadership role mentoring the largely freshmen and sophomore team. Despite a disappointing season with only one win, Michael displayed outstanding leadership and encouragement to the younger players. In the lead-up to the 2020-2021 season, Michael again showed great leadership by identifying additional players and a goal tender allowing Independence to field a “pureâ€_x009d_ team in 2020-2021. Despite navigating a hockey season during a pandemic, Michael continued to provide sustained leadership to the underclassmen who will be the future leaders of the Independence hockey team. In addition to his on-ice leadership, Michael has received All-Academic Honors for the 2020-2021 seasons, demonstrating to his peers the importance of maintaining academic excellence to compliment athletics. In addition to playing hockey, Michael also referees youth and adult hockey. Michael is very active in the community as well. In 2020, he volunteered with COVID relief opportunities and has donated his time in youth hockey development programs. Michael has already been accepted to several colleges where he will continue his education and hopes to play hockey.