2018 | North Carolina | BOYS

Polar Hurricanes Hockey League Circs | Circs | BOYS

Dear Committee Members,

I highly recommend Ryan Waller for the 2018 Hobey Baker High School Character Award. From the moment I met Ryan during tryouts last fall I knew he was the kind of person a successful team could be built around and he hasn’t disappointed. Currently our team is 13-3 and the team is having a great time. Let me share some examples of how Ryan has contributed below.

Leadership: Ryan’s leadership style is quiet confidence. He doesn’t say a lot but when he does the other player’s listen. He is often the first to arrive and the last to leave. I have never heard him speak negatively about a teammate and in one case he suggested some strategy changes to help get our goalie a shutout.

Sportsmanship: After a close game against our fiercest rival I have seen Ryan take extra time to speak with some of the opposing players after the handshake line.

Love for the game: Even though Ryan is playing in a less competitive league than what he is used to this season he is having fun and giving maximum effort each shift. Ryan is also a very intelligent hockey player which is another indication of how much he loves the game. In fact, often he will suggest strategies to help our team win and frequently they are things I hadn’t noticed myself. That also shows his commitment to the team’s success.

Character: As I mentioned earlier, I have never heard him bad mouth another player and he has never raised his voice or slammed his stick in anger. He is a very level headed kid, mature beyond his years. I asked him to mentor one of the younger player’s and he agreed happily.

In summary, Ryan would be a deserving winner of this award. He has the values Hobey Baker exhibited and those the committee is looking for. I expect to hear great things from him in the future and believe he will continue playing and ultimately coaching the game.

Sincerely,

Randy Richter
Head Coach