Hockey Captains. In our series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Brian Copin. Brian is the captain of Curro Serengeti’s boys 1st hockey team. He scores today our eighth goal in this hockey series for high schools in South Africa.
“I started playing hockey at the age of 11. I’m a passionate hockey player because I think about hockey all day, every day. I currently play centre link, but in previous years I would always play centre forward.
My favourite professional hockey player is Eddie Way. I learned to drag flick from him.
I was appointed as hockey captain for the first time this year for Curro Nationals. We have 3 training sessions per week. Unfortunately I don’t have enough time to attend extra practice.
Most stressful game
My most stressful game to date was the first game we had after I was appointed hockey captain. I was in such shock after seeing how Curro Nelspruit played that I went completely silent during and after the game. My most exciting game to date was while I was still playing club hockey. I scored a goal in the last 7 minutes of the game. I then assisted a teammate who scored shortly after and won the game 2 – 1.
My worst hockey performance? I have done a lot of passes straight to the opposing team in the past and its taught me to look up when I have the ball.
I sometimes do watch hockey on TV because I enjoy observing how each team uses different techniques and strategies in various situations. Yes, I have tried to imitate a pro in my games. Whenever I have the opportunity, I do disguised passes. (It looks like I’m passing one way and I pass in another direction).
Any goals you would like to accomplish in the next six months to three years? Within three years I would like to get my pro card in bodybuilding and develop a few computer games.
Rank your current top five priorities in life.
- Gym
- Academics
- Mental Health
- Self Improvement
- Family
For managing my responsibilities as hockey captain and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities I do a lot of time management. I miss practices if I absolutely have to. I will never miss games though.
Yes, I have interests outside of hockey. I spend a lot of time working out.
Strenghts
Strengths I believe I have that make you a great hockey player – I am really good at shooting. As hockey captain I motivate my team by trying my best to keep their heads up if we’re losing and give them hope no matter what happens.
What I’ve learned about teamwork from past experiences on teams, as well as hockey captain? Chemistry is crucial in hockey if you want to win. Each player in the team has to understand one another.
The best advice I have received from my coaches is to ‘let the ball do the work’.
How my coach and fellow teammates describe me? They would say I’m quiet, nonchalant and optimistic.
My advice for new hockey players is that, even though hockey is a team sport, you have to put in extra work by yourself if you’re looking to go far. Joining a club team helps tremendously and gives you a boost in experience.
My role model? I look up to my current coach at Serengeti, Mr. G. Pretorius. One of the first things he taught us when he came to our school was a three-quarter press. We have never been taught this before and I was shocked at how effective it is.
The greatest challenge faced by today’s sport participants? I think self-doubt affects pretty much all participants and is the reason a lot of them quit early or even later in their careers.
I’d say a top corner goal from a reverse shot is my greatest highlight to date in my hockey career.
The professional hockey player I would like to have coffee with, is Mustapha Cassiem. Considering that he is one of the youngest SA players, he could have a lot of advice to share about how he got so far at such a young age.
What excites me most in life is – I love challenges. If I’m not given a challenge then I challenge myself.
Describe myself in one word – Patient“
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