For the love of the game of hockey

By: Amanda Held
Posted In: Sports

Ryan Doyle, a junior at Salve has been involved in hockey his whole life. As he begins to speak about the sport, his smile brightens yet his tone remains serious. It becomes obvious that this is a topic of great importance to him and something that has brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.

Doyle’s love for the sport was not something that came at first glance. At just four years old, Doyle’s hockey career began. He lasted a short while, but at such a young age, he was unable to enjoy the sport. “I hated it,” he said, “so I quit.” It wasn’t until three years later, at the age of seven that he picked up a hockey stick. He accredits his uncle for encouraging him to do so. From that point on, hockey became a permanent part in Doyle’s life.

Throughout his high school career in Lowell Mass., Doyle’s athleticism truly shined. In his junior and senior year at Lowell High, his hard work paid off and he was able to earn himself the MVC All Conference Award for hockey. It became clear that hockey was a sport where Doyle was able to excel and earn recognition for his success.

Not only was it evident that he had talent, but his growing love for the game became apparent as well. “Hockey is such a fast-paced, physical game and has a great atmosphere,” he said. “That’s why I love it.” It was for these reasons that Doyle chose to remain focused on hockey as he embarked on his college career.

With such passion and love for the game, it is no surprise that Doyle’s hockey success has continued at Salve. Since his freshman year, he has remained a crucial member of the Salve Men’s Hockey team. As a forward, Doyle says it is his job to score goals and set up plays; two essential aspects to the success of the team and two aspects with which Doyle has made a significant impact.

With the start of a new season underway, hard work lies ahead. This season, the team has around 25 games with two hour practices every night. With such a demanding schedule, time for homework and a social life become difficult.

According to Doyle, “You need good time-management skills and it is important to stick to a schedule.” So far, he has followed his own advice and has been successful in achieving a balance.

Not all of his success has come from good time-management skills. More importantly, much of it has come from the support of his family. “My parents have made it to every hockey game and supported me through everything I’ve done,” Doyle said. “I owe all my success to them.”

Doyle is an Administrative Justice major at Salve said he hopes to become a local police officer some day. As for hockey, Doyle has some hopes as well. This season, he hopes the team will finish within the top four in the league and will make it into the playoffs.

For his own personal goal, he says, “I just hope to stay healthy and contribute to the team as much as I can.”