2024 | Michigan | BOYS

Sparta Hockey | Spartans | BOYS

I would say that I know Tanner better than anyone else. I have had the opportunity to coach Tanner in hockey since he was 5 years old. I have had the honor and privilege to watch him grow into the young man that he is today, on and off the ice. You might feel that I would have a biased opinion of him due to our relationship, but over the years I tried very hard be a coach when coaching and be a parent when not and to keep lines between these relationships. Tanner has not always been a “superstar” player but has a unique way to connect with his teammates from an early age. We often refer to him as the “hype guy” as he is always encouraging and lifting up his teammates. Tanner has always been a servant leader. He is the one who picks up the locker room, fills the water bottles, serves the extra penalty, and coaches from the sideline. He has and continues to be the one that leads the team in warm ups and in the past 2 years in prayer in the locker room before the games. Over the last 3 years while on the varsity hockey team, Tanner has volunteered nearly every Saturday morning with the Learn to Skate program at Walker Ice and Fitness. This year he has been able to volunteer with West MI Special Hockey on Sunday afternoons at Patterson Ice Center. As a junior, he was named the alternative captain of his high school team. And this year he was given the honor as captain. Personally, I believed he has played that role on every hockey team he has played on not because his dad was the coach, but because he has that captain’s heart. Tanner puts his team and teammates first in all situations, he understands his role as part of the team to do whatever is needed to help the team be successful. What a joy as a parent, is to watch these same actions shown in all aspects of his life whether it is in the other sports he has played, extra curriculars, his church life and at home. He has a servant’s heart. I truly believe that Tanner exemplifies all of the qualities and characteristics for the Hobey Baker Award.