“‘Kimmer.’ That’s my nickname. It stuck with me since seventh grade when I moved to Canada to continue pursuing my hockey career. The name originated in Inferno, Halifax, and ever since then, it has followed me. Some people also call me Kimmy, but most people at Northwood know me as Kimmer.
“Hockey has been my passion for as long as I can remember, but before I got into the sport, I experienced speed skating. I quickly realized that constantly spinning in circles didn’t bring me joy, so I turned to hockey instead. The transition wasn’t easy. I hated it for the first couple of months. But everything changed when I got hold of the hockey puck. That was when I found the excitement and drive to play hockey.
“In sixth grade, I was first called up to the national team. Sarah Murray was the head coach then, bringing me onto the team at a young age. That experience opened doors for me, including a summer showcase in Boston, where I started gaining interest from several schools. My agent, who has worked closely with me throughout my career, eventually connected me to the Inferno hockey team in Halifax.
“After my years in Halifax, I searched for a high school that would support my academic and athletic aspirations. As a result, I found Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, Canada. I spent three years there, from ninth through eleventh grade, before moving to Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota for my senior year. That was when I unexpectedly reunited with Coach Murray, a full-circle moment in my hockey journey. My time at Shattuck was unforgettable. I made lifelong friendships and was exposed to a very competitive environment. After graduation, I continued my hockey journey as a post-grad here at Northwood.
“Outside of hockey, I have a few other passions. I started golfing last summer, and while I initially didn’t take it seriously, my family played a massive role in attracting me to the sport. My dad is extremely good at golf, and my brother is working toward playing professionally. There was a point when he was struggling, not seeing the results he wanted, and I decided to go out and play with him one day. I made jokes, lightened the mood, and helped him find the joy he was missing in the game again. That moment was a turning point for him; in a way, it was for me too. I realized how much I enjoyed being on the course, and now, I can proudly call golf one of my favorite hobbies.
“The one person who has been my constant support is my mom. She knows everything about me. Sometimes, even before I tell her. When I first moved to Canada, I struggled a lot with homesickness. I called home every day, complaining about anything and everything. But through it all, my mom supported me. She helped me shift my perspective, encouraging me to push through the tough times. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She is my light in the dark.
“I plan to take up boxing this summer to improve my speed and agility, which will directly correlate to hockey. It’s part of my preparation for college and the next chapter of my athletic career. My journey has been full of challenges, but every step, whether on the ice, on the golf course, or in a new country, has shaped me into who I am today.”
As told to Li Feng ‘25. Photo by Mr. MIchael Aldridge.
