It’s no secret that many St. Louis residents love their hockey. For junior Noelle Glass, she feels the same way, as she finds it as a way to escape the world for a minute and gives her a rush that she loves.

“I played soccer,” Glass said, “then I tried to play hockey in sixth grade and then started playing double A.”

Many athletes love the feeling a sport offers, which is true for Glass as well.

“I feel very happy and exhilarated at the same time,” Glass said.

However, there are obstacles to the sport as well, especially for athletes like Glass who spend four hours practicing every day.

“The sport is hard,” Glass said. “You have to train your body and ankles.”

In addition to these challenges, hockey can also be a very aggressive sport. 

“[It] makes me feel like I can get through anything,” Glass said, “and I can run through people.”

While Glass loves all the different feelings that come from playing hockey, it is more than just that to her. 

“I love the unity as a team and the way the team flows,” Glass said. “Also, the feeling of being a defense man going past everyone and scoring makes me feel good about myself.” 

With the team being so close, Glass believes that it is truly like a second family.

“My favorite part is having teammates you bond with,” Glass said.

With all these different elements to the sport, Glass plans to take her hockey career past high school and has already been offered scholarships to Lindenwood and Maryville. 

“The sport makes me feel empowered and strong. Besides that, the team being like family is priceless,” Glass said. “The sweat and practice we share is everything to me.”