This article won an honorable mention in the 2023 Michigan Interscholastic Press Association spring awards ceremony.
While watching an intense hockey game at Griff’s Ice House, one may notice a “C” labeled on the right side of a jersey. That “C” stands for Captain, and that jersey belongs to senior right-wing Brady Klekotka.
Klekotka has been playing hockey for 14 years. His biggest inspiration for playing hockey is all credited to his brother, Alex Klekotka, who passed away in December 2021.
“My brother always played and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, so I decided to give it a try and I loved it,” Klekotka said. “[he] makes me look forward to everything and push myself harder.”
Due to the limited ice space and lack of interest, five schools, including Northview, Sparta, Comstock Park, North Point Christian and Tri-County, have blended together to make one “Northview” team.
Klekotka has two assistant captains by his side, Sparta High School juniors Tanner Bormes and Logan Sidlauskas who help unite the players.
Bormes has played alongside Klekotka for two years. During those years, Bormes has seen how being teammates with Klekotka helps him be a better person and now a better captain.
“[Klekotka] has helped me as a teammate to gain confidence and in practices,” Bormes said.
“He pushes everyone.”
Bormes and other captains work alongside the coaches in an outstanding fashion in order for the team to blend and work together in unison.
“We discuss [hockey] with the coach in meetings and bond together as a team and discuss problems or good things that might be happening [for the team],” Bormes said.
Along with three other coaches, Cody Schievink is one of the few who have the privilege to work with the team. He sees and appreciates the skills Klekotka brings to the team.
“[Klekotka] helps the team out by being at practice every day, giving his all [and] showing up when he needs to,” Schievink said.“Leading by example is his best trait.”
Schievink’s first year of coaching was Klekotka’s freshman year. Schievink has since been able to observe Klekotka grow into the leader and individual he is today.
“It’s been awesome watching him grow from a freshman to where he is now not only on the ice but as a person,” Schievink said. “He’s a great person to be around.”
In losses there come some hardships but Klekotka always tries to stay present in his mentality to focus on what is next and encourages the other players to do the same.
“[We] can’t hang our heads because now it’s playoffs [we’re] looking forward to,” Klekotka said. “[That and] seeing what we can do with [the talent that we have].”
The hockey team’s next home game is on February 3 at Griffs Ice House, which is their famous game
“Pink in the Rink” is a game to help raise awareness and money for breast cancer.
This is a two-day game, the first game is against Kenowa Hills at 6 pm, and the second game’s opponent is undecided but is at 5:30 p.m.
good stuff lucy