2016 | Massachusetts | BOYS

Weston High School | Wildcats | BOYS

As a coach at the high school level for the past five years, there has only been one player that I’ve coached who I consider worthy of the recognition of HSCA award – Reese Nickerson.  Reese has not been the fastest, strongest, or best player on the team in any of his four years.  Even still, standing at 5’5, he has found a way to contribute to the team since stepping on the ice his freshman year. Whether it be filling water bottles or serving penalties early on to being a penalty kill specialist his sophomore year to a first line winger these past two season.  Regardless of his role on the team, he has had the utmost enthusiasm to drive towards team and personal development.
The attributes that embodies an HSCA recipient are consistently exuded by Reese, even when he’s not center stage.  His strongest attribute is his attitude.  He arrives to the rink early every day excited to be a part of the team and get on the ice to get better.  Win or lose, first line or fourth line, Reese has been the source for team inspiration and resiliency throughout his four seasons.
As a result of his outstanding attitude and zest for not just hockey, but life, Reese is always a model for good sportsmanship.  Amongst the team, officials, and opponents, he respects the competitive nature of the sport and  
As a coach, my excitement stems from players who are looking to learn, looking to develop, and looking to make those around them better.  Reese has been studious in learning the team’s evolving systems over the past four seasons and is a constant example of best practices in various situations.  There is no greater feeling as a coach to have player open to changing for the better and seeing them grow as a result.
When it comes to community spirit, Reese consistently leads the charge off the ice for the team to be involved in the local community and causes.  He helped the coaching staff in organizing and executing team shoveling for the elderly for Weston residents as well as Putting for Patients for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  As recently as last week (January 27th), Reese helped organize a team support video and recognition for a child diagnosed with terminal cancer in Weston.
While this award is for recognizing student-athletes who embody the four characteristics, Reese exceeds beyond the sports arena to always exemplify what it is to be an exemplary member of our community at Weston.  He is more than deserving of this award and has my full support in being recognized for the great person he is and will grow to be moving forward.