For Blake and Parker Springer, choosing CM was all about finding the perfect fit. “I choose CM because I felt like I would really in the school here and have the opportunity to play hockey,” explained Blake. Parker, he chose CM because he didn’t want to be far from home. “It allowed me to get a college level education for a smaller price and give me the opportunity to continue playing hockey,” added Parker. Parker is studying Exercise Science while brother Blake is in the General Studies program. Both were terrific athletes at Leavitt Area High School and found success on the ice growing up through the club hockey system. Now they get the opportunity to skate side by side as Mustangs.
Like most, being able to adjust to life as a collegiate student-athlete has been a challenge. Blake’s biggest challenge thus far has been managing his school work around the hockey schedule. “I want to make sure I am focusing on what’s most important at that time,” added Blake. Despite the challenges, he has found success in the classroom and on the ice. He is able to find time for his studies and takes advantage of the team study hall sessions to get his work done. Parker states that his biggest challenge as a student-athlete is trying to manage a job, classes, homework, and a busy hockey schedule. However, effort along with help from the professors and coaches make it very manageable. A common favorite moment among players and coaches is when the Mustangs beat Dartmouth earlier this season in overtimes. It was the first regular season loss Dartmouth had experienced in over two years. Both Blake and Parker agreed that the Dartmouth win was their favorite moment so far in the career as a Mustang.
For Parker and Blake they are focused on taking it game by game and doing everything they can to help their team be success. “My role on the team is to grind out minutes as a depth player on a lower line and to make the most of my shifts offensively and defensively. As well as doing whatever else the rest of the team needs me to do,” added Parker. On the ice he is looking to improve on his plus minutes and to hopefully make as big of an impact as he can as a depth player whether that is penalty killing or just grinding out minutes to provide rest for his teammates. “I am very happy to do that for them,” said Parker. Blake’s role is currently to be a versatile utility player who can do what’s asked of him. “I’m working to improve upon my confidence to play how I’m capable and to continue a great season,” added Blake. With a team first mentality like that, there is no wonder why this CM hockey team is so successful. Every player knows their role and puts the success of the team before their own accolades. The CM Hockey team is off to a hot start with an overall record of 10-1 coming out of winter break. They open up their second semester schedule next week when they travel to Bates College on Wednesday night.
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