By Logan Shea
SEATTLE--4/25/2024
In the world of hockey, some players are born with the sport running through their veins. For O'Dea Senior Tyler Parsons, that passion ignited at the tender age of three when he first stepped onto the ice.
"I skated for the first time when I was 3 and immediately fell in love with it," he reminisces, his eyes lighting up with the same enthusiasm that sparked his journey.
From those early days, hockey became more than just a pastime for Parsons—it became his calling.
"The want to be better and better gave me that drive to keep playing and loving the sport," he shares, reflecting on the relentless pursuit of improvement that has defined his career.
Last year, Parsons achieved a milestone that will forever be etched in his memory: making it to nationals.
"That was my first time ever going, and it's truly an incredible experience playing against the other best teams in the US," he recalls, the excitement of the competition still palpable in his voice.
But Parsons journey hasn't been without its challenges. Balancing the demands of school and hockey has been a constant juggling act, yet one he's navigated with determination and discipline.
"On tournaments or out of town games, we always have set times we are required to do school work of some kind," he explains, highlighting his commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.
Yet, perhaps the greatest challenge Parsons has faced lies in the relentless pressure from coaches, scouts, teammates, and parents.
"Nobody is perfect in their game," he acknowledges, "but being consistent on and off the ice, like training and eating well, has been my biggest challenge."
Despite the hurdles, Parsons remains unwavering in his pursuit of excellence. With his sights set on playing Division 1 hockey, he plans to take a gap year to play juniors—a feeder league to NCAA and other ACHA schools.
"My ultimate goal is to play Division 1 hockey," he declares with conviction, his determination shining through.
For Tyler Parsons, hockey isn't just a game—it's a way of life. "The love I have for this sport, nothing could ever take it away from me," he asserts. And with that unwavering passion driving him forward, there's no doubt that Tyler's journey to greatness is only just beginning.