Ethan Rubio's story to success on and off the rink

SEATTLE- In the realm of high school sports, some institutions build athletes not just through their official programs but through their broader area of excellence and character development. O'Dea High School, nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, is one such institution. Despite hockey not being part of its official sports roster, O'Dea has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Ethan Rubio's hockey career.

"I was a lacrosse player when I first stepped into O'Dea," Ethan reflects. "But the more time I spent at the rink, the more drawn I became to hockey." While O'Dea might not have had a hockey team, its influence permeated through Ethan's journey. Coach P, a stalwart figure in the O'Dea community, became a guiding light for Ethan, offering advice and support as he navigated the intricacies of the sport. "Coach P was always there as a resource," Ethan recalls. "His guidance extended beyond the field; he instilled in me values of discipline and perseverance."

O'Dea's impact extended beyond the ice rink. The school's emphasis on gentlemanly conduct and character building left an indelible mark on Ethan. "Conversing formally with coaches, recruiters, and teammates became second nature, thanks to O'Dea's teachings," Ethan remarks. These interpersonal skills proved invaluable as Ethan progressed in his hockey career, enabling him to build strong relationships within the hockey community.

While O'Dea may not have facilitated regular matchups against schoolmates due to hockey's limited popularity in the Pacific Northwest, Ethan found camaraderie with fellow athletes like Tyler Parsons. "Tyler and I practiced together occasionally," Ethan recalls. "His seniority and experience added a new dimension to my training regimen."

The lessons learned at O'Dea transcended the confines of the classroom, seeping into Ethan's performance on the ice. "O'Dea taught me the value of hard work and resilience," Ethan asserts. The school's ethos of tough love fostered a competitive spirit within him, propelling him to surpass his own expectations. "On the ice, I learned to never quit, to give my all in every game," Ethan reflects. "O'Dea's community pushed me to heights I never thought possible."

Reflecting on his hockey journey, Ethan cherishes moments of pure joy and achievement. "My fondest memories stem from my time in the house league," Ethan reminisces. "It was about showing up, enjoying the game with friends, and relishing the camaraderie." Yet, it was his triumph in the state championship last season that stands as a testament to his growth and dedication. "Winning the state championship and clinching fourth place in Pacific Districts was a crowning achievement," Ethan beams. "It validated years of hard work and perseverance."

Ethan Rubio's hockey journey is a testament to the transformative power of an institution like O'Dea High School. Though hockey may not have been part of its formal curriculum, O'Dea's values of excellence, discipline, and camaraderie have left an indelible imprint on Ethan's athletic endeavors. As he continues to pursue his passion for hockey, Ethan remains grateful for the unwavering support and guidance he received from the O'Dea community, shaping him into the athlete and individual he is today.