While most focus on the puck drop, not many notice the unsung hero in the back. The goalie on the ice, the goaltender. Sophomore Sea King Cj Emery who currently plays for Long Beach Prep is one of the best goaltenders in the south bay. He is also a member of the PV Sea Kings hockey team here on the hill, winning the junior varsity league last season and going undefeated.
Emery enjoys playing hockey every day and couldn’t picture himself not being on the ice. Emery started playing hockey at the age of 8 when he was in the second grade and has devoted his life to the sport ever since. He stated, “It is nothing but a blessing to get the opportunity to play the sport I love just about everyday.
He stated that the people that motivate him the most are his parents. His parents have been there for him since day one. “My mom and dad have been there for me since the beginning, they support me through it all and are my number one fans.” Emery owes much of his success to his mother and father.
Most athletes have trouble figuring out how to balance school and their sports and at times make life very difficult. Emery has no problem balancing out school and playing hockey. He stated, “Balancing school and hockey is hard but not impossible. I learned over the years to do my school work in my free time and not procrastinate and leave things till the last minute.” Emery says that whenever he has free time he starts to do his school work. “I usually have to do my school work in the car on the way to practice and whenever I have a break. If you don’t do your work when you have free time then your up all night trying to do homework.”
Emery has had several memorable memories since deciding to play hockey and becoming a goaltender. Most of his best memories are of him on the ice blocking shots left and right. Emery stated,” My most memorable memory is when I was in the 5th grade and my team beat a team that was of a higher rank than my team. It has a high scoring game with the score being 9-8 in favor of my team. It was probably one of the best games I have ever played.” This memory was the beginning of the successful goaltender that Emery would soon become.
Emery’s hard work and determination are qualities that have paid the way for him to be one of the best goaltenders in the south bay. He states, “If you don’t work hard in hockey then you don’t play. Hockey is the sport that makes people work the hardest. To be a hockey player you need the physicality of a football player to deal with the bruteness of the game and the concentration a baseball to catch fast flying pucks while on skates.” He also stated that his team is always working out, even in the most unlikely places. “Sometimes we work out in a parking lot and just do push ups and sits. Other times we also bring our own weights and lift in the parking lot as well.”
Emery has a bright future ahead of him and wants to take hockey to the next level. “I want to play hockey in college at any division 1 school that wants to take me. Personally I would want to play for Michigan, and I believe I can, I just have to work harder and push my body to the limit.