My name is Zach Hawken, and this season marked my 5th year as a Polar King. Throughout these 5 years, the Polar King organization has impacted myself as well as my family considerably.
In my first year of U15 hockey, I was a 12 year old kid, 5’5”, 115 lbs. I didn’t know what I was to expect out of AA hockey, but I came to tryouts anyway. Soon enough, it was evident that the Polar Kings team was not only a good place to play hockey, but a great environment to grow up in. For the last 5 years, I have been surrounded by dedicated coaches, enthusiastic fans, and the best teammates and friends I could ask for. My family and I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow up amidst this culture, and I believe that we are all better for it.
Throughout my time with the Polar Kings, I’ve been a part of successes and downfalls. Although coming up short this season was a tough way to end my minor hockey career, I wouldn’t trade the world for the lifelong relationships that I’ve made and developed in my time with the Polar Kings. Regardless of when we reached the finish line, I’m very proud to be a part of the race that this team ran.
The work that the organization has done for us throughout the years hasn’t gone unnoticed, as each team that I’ve played for has received every opportunity for success and ease throughout the seasons. Things that my teammates and I have grown accustomed to throughout our Polar King careers, are the result of the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff, managers and parent volunteers. Fun practices, team parties, great meals on the bus, are all examples of things we have been thankful for every year. The consistent display of hard work and good organization that the board and the coaching staffs has shown is alone enough to convince someone to join the Polar Kings, and that’s not including the feeling of family and brotherhood inspired by the Polar King players.
Lastly, I’d just like to thank my teammates, parents, coaches, managers, fans, the board, and the PK family that I've grown up with for making these last 5 years so enjoyable. There’s a reason that the PMM felt like home to a 12 year-old kid 5 years ago, and still does to this day. Thank you Polar Kings for every opportunity you have provided me.
Zack Hawken