Moment of reflection—Number 16, Michael Morrone looks out at the ice on which he has spent so many years practicing on. Morrone “first got into hockey at three or four years old when [he] was taking skating lessons at Iceland. Following those lessons, [he] began to play at 5 years old.”

By Jessica Boico

Players stand face to face, nudging and pushing, anxiously waiting for the whistle blow. The referee sounds and the face-off is on. The puck is launched onto the ice, and players scramble to obtain possession. The announcer calls out “Great Neck Bantams with possession of the puck! Player number sixteen heads towards the goal! Looks like he’s going to make it! Goal by GN Bantam Captain number sixteen Michael Morrone!”
This is not the first goal for Morrone, who has had a ten year hockey career. “I first got into hockey at three or four years old when I was taking skating lessons at Iceland in New Hyde Park. ” said Morrone. Since then, he has dedicated his time and effort and doesn’t plan to let up anytime soon.
A typical week for him consists of three practices during the week and two games on the weekend. Some weekends, he travels to other states to play in tournaments. “I can play three or four games in one weekend if I have a tournament. I’ve played in Delaware and Philadelphia,” stated Morrone.
Despite his exhaustive schedule, he has never lost inspiration or love for the game; this isbecause of his current coach. “He always pushes me to work harder and knows that no matter what, there is something better you can achieve. He gives inspiring pre-game talks that motivate and energize our team,” Morrone said.
But it isn’t just his coach who inspires Morrone to keep pushing through a; Morrone also pushes himself. “When I play, even at my most tired and worn out, I’m playing solely because I love it. There is a lot of thrill. It is a high speed game with constant physical action. It’s always been my passion, and I know that it always will be,” said Morrone.
As Morrone looks to the future he sees himself still out on the ice doing what he loves. As an avid New York Rangers fan, he hopes to one day skate out on the MSG ice. But for now, he’ll remain GNS student by day, hockey champ by night.