Over the course of the next few months HSN
will take you behind the helmets and allow our readers the opportunity to get
to know each member of the HAWKS just a little bit!
NAME: Thomas Papalia
POSITION: LW / RW
NUMBER: 18
FAVOURITE NHL TEAM: Ottawa Senators
FAVOURITE PLAYER: Eric Karlsson
FAVOURITE THING TO DO AWAY FROM THE ARENA: I like to read, ride my bike, play soccer and shoot around with a basketball
FAVOURITE MOTIVATIONAL SAYING: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard!
THOUGHTS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE TEAM: I can be consistent, move my feet, win my battles, make plays for teammates, work hard on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck, be a leader on the ice, in the change room and on the bench, dig for rebounds, work hard and have fun.
COACH'S TWO CENTS: Paps is a player, in my opinion, who has turned his game around a bit lately and our team is definitely the beneficiary of his play! Don't get me wrong, he has played well all season but Paps came to tryouts determined to make this team and he did everything he could to show the coaches he belonged...Paps elevated his game and was a monster in tryouts and since playoffs started he picked that pace back up again. Paps is a gamer - meaning he knows how to play with desperation and battle hard. Paps has a great eye for the net and has scored some real big goals for us this season. Paps listens to the lessons being taught and tries to carry out those lessons on the ice. Paps needs to continue to be a leader on and off the ice and encourage his teammates down the stretch. It has been a pleasure coaching Thomas the last 2 seasons...he's a super kid and a great hockey player! Keep up the great work Paps!!