Travis Wright – How I Became a Resilient Ice Hockey Player

If someone had told me ten years ago that I’d be a varsity ice hockey defenseman from a small town in West Virginia, I probably would’ve laughed. Not because I didn’t believe in myself—but because, around here, hockey isn’t exactly the first sport that comes to mind.

In Glen Dale, West Virginia, most kids grow up dreaming of touchdowns under Friday night lights. Ice time? That’s rare. Rinks are few and far between, and hockey barely makes it onto the radar. But from the moment I first stepped onto the ice, something inside me clicked. It didn’t matter that I didn’t come from a “hockey town.” I knew—deep down—that this game was going to become a huge part of who I am.

My First Skates and Falling in Love with the Game

I remember the first time I put on skates. It wasn’t graceful—I was wobbly, off balance, and I fell more times than I can count. But something about the ice felt right. It was cold, sure. Unforgiving at times. But it was also wide open. Fast. Strategic. Physical. And I was hooked.

Hockey wasn’t a sport I inherited from family or saw on local television every weekend. It was something I found on my own. Something that found me.

While most of my friends played football, baseball, or basketball, I chose the road less traveled. And that road came with its share of bumps. I had to work twice as hard just to find places to practice. I’d travel long hours to make games or stick-and-puck sessions. But I never saw that as a burden—it was an investment. I was investing in the version of myself I believed in, even if no one else fully understood it yet.

Earning My Spot – John Marshall High School

My hard work paid off when I earned a varsity spot on John Marshall High School’s ice hockey team in 2018. I was proud to wear number 18 on my jersey and even prouder to start as a right-handed defenseman. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 169 pounds, I wasn't the biggest player on the ice—but I had heart, vision, and grit. That’s what I brought to every shift.

Under Coach Andrew Piatt’s guidance, I began to refine my positioning, improve my puck handling, and really understand what it means to be a team player on defense. I wasn’t just skating—I was learning to read the ice, anticipate plays, shut down breakaways, and support my teammates through every zone.

Each game, each practice, pushed me to improve. And through it all, I built discipline that has carried over into every area of my life.

Balancing Books and the Rink

Being an athlete is tough. Being an athlete in a demanding academic program is even tougher.

I’ve taken honors classes in English, History, and Science. I never wanted to be “just a hockey player.” I wanted to be a student-athlete, the kind of person who could discuss literature in the morning and block a slapshot by evening. I’ve always believed that your work ethic in one area spills into the rest of your life. If you’re lazy in the classroom, it’ll catch up with you on the ice. So I stayed sharp in both.

I’m also part of the Drug Free Club at school. It’s something I’m proud of. It’s not always easy to take a stand in high school—but it matters. I believe athletes should lead by example. Not just in games, but in life. And I’ve made choices that align with the kind of person and leader I strive to be—accountable, focused, and resilient.

Going National – Creating My NCSA Profile

Eventually, I realized I had to think bigger. Hockey was more than a hobby—it had become a calling. That’s when I decided to create my athlete profile on the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) platform. It was a bold step for someone from a small school in West Virginia—but a necessary one.

The recruiting world can feel overwhelming. There are players from hockey-rich states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts who’ve been training in elite programs since they could walk. I knew I was coming from a different background. But I also knew that drive and passion can’t always be measured by location.

My NCSA profile may not have all the shiny statistics yet, but it tells a deeper story—one of perseverance, hunger, and self-belief. It shows I’m serious about playing at the collegiate level. And when scouts take a deeper look, I hope they see someone willing to put in the work, both on and off the ice.

Representing West Virginia in a Northern Sport

Ice hockey isn’t a big deal in West Virginia. Not yet, anyway. But I want to change that. I want to be part of a new wave of athletes who show the country that talent can come from anywhere.

At John Marshall High School, we may not have state-of-the-art facilities or national championships under our belt. But we have passion. We have commitment. And more importantly, we have heart.

Every time I step onto the ice, I carry my town, my school, and my state with me. I play with the hope that someday, a kid growing up in Glen Dale will see someone like me and say, “If he can do it, maybe I can too.”

Challenges Ahead — But I’m Ready

I’m not naïve. I know there’s a long road ahead. The competition at the collegiate level is fierce. Coaches are looking for speed, size, stats—and all of that matters.

But I also know that there are things you can’t always measure: determination, consistency, mental toughness. I show up. I train. I study the game. And I keep my eyes forward, always looking for the next way to grow.

Whether I’m lifting in the gym, reviewing game footage, or grinding through drills, I’m building a future I believe in. It might take time. It might require sacrifices. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I don’t plan to start now.

What Hockey Has Taught Me About Life

More than anything, hockey has taught me resilience. When you get knocked down—and you will get knocked down—you have to get back up. You don’t quit. You don’t wait for someone to save you. You dig in, lace up, and keep moving.

That mindset has shaped every part of my life. It’s helped me navigate tough academic semesters, injuries, self-doubt, and more. But each setback became a setup for a comeback. And that’s what defines me—not just as a hockey player, but as a person.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Focus

As I continue training, studying, and chasing this dream, I’m filled with gratitude—for my coaches, my teammates, my family, and my town. They’ve supported me in ways that go beyond the rink. They’ve believed in me, even when the odds were long.

And now, I believe in myself more than ever.

My name is Travis Wright, and I’m proud to be a right defenseman from Glen Dale, West Virginia. My story isn’t finished yet. In fact, it’s just getting started.

Want to follow my journey or connect about college hockey opportunities? You can check out my athletic profile here - Travis Wright – NCSA.