At age six, Tristan R. already knew he wanted to be a professional hockey player. Now at 17, he’s a defenseman for a team in The United States Hockey League (USHL). The USHL is the United States best junior hockey league. He also made a verbal commitment to Michigan Technological University on a full hockey scholarship.

Tristan’s hockey career started when he would rollerblade around his neighborhood with his friend. Tristan’s mom decided to sign him up for Learn to Skate to see if he’d like hockey.

Tristan says, “I cried because I didn’t want to get on the ice, but then I finally got on the ice and cried because I didn’t want to get off.”

He says that’s when he fell in love with the sport and wanted to become the best.

v played varsity hockey for his high school's team his freshman and sophomore years. He was named Defensive MVP and Classic Eight All-Conference First Team both years. During his sophomore year, he also received an honorable mention on the Wisconsin All State team. He also played for Team Wisconsin his freshman and sophomore years.

Tristan’s dreams started coming true when he was drafted by the Muskegon Lumberjacks on May 1st, 2012, during the 2012 USHL Draft. He was drafted in the fifth round as the 70th player (picked out of 96 players). He started playing for the Lumberjacks during the 2013-2014 season.

However, the road to accomplishing his dream hasn’t been easy. In June of 2013, Tristan had surgery on his shoulder. He was unable to play in hockey games until November 2013.

Tristan says, “It sucked that I had to have surgery because it was a setback, but through therapy and rehab, I was able to work up the strength and stability in my shoulder to 95%.”

With his hard work, Tristan was released for play on November 1, 2013. His Muskegon Lumberjack coaches wasted no time in putting him in a game. He played in his first USHL game on November 1, 2013.

Tristan says, “I was really nervous, but I was really excited at the same time. It was an unbelievable experience and something I will never forget.”

Tristan’s dream of becoming a professional hockey player gets closer and closer to coming true. His hard work and determination keeps him moving up to reach his goal.