Left to right: Casey Morrissey ’26, with Parker Thompson ’26 and Anton Stackow ’26 at a recent formal dinner. Photo provided.
During one of the few fall weekends without hockey, I had the opportunity to visit my teammate Parker Thompson’s hometown. Parker invited me and another teammate, Cody Betsch, to spend the weekend with him at his home in the Akwesasne Nation, a place he proudly refers to as “The Rez.” I asked what being a part of the community is like, and he answered, “I am proud to be from the Rez, and I love the tight-knit community, and it is a lot like Northwood in that way.”
Our first stop was Parker’s home, where we were welcomed by his family. For many Northwood students, teammates become like family, yet most of us never see where they come from. We might know the names of our hometowns, but we rarely experience the communities behind them. Visiting Parker’s home offered a glimpse into the tight-knit environment that shaped his character both on and off the ice.
Later that day, we attended a game played by Parker’s father’s hockey team, which he owns. The energy in the rink was electric, filled with pride and community spirit. It was clear that hockey isn’t just a sport in Akwesasne; it’s a tradition that connects generations.
The visit was more than just a weekend away from school; it was a window into a culture deeply rooted in family, teamwork, and pride. Seeing where Parker comes from gave me a new appreciation for his perspective and for the sense of identity that “The Rez” brings to those who call it home.
