Bergey’s Inc.
SOL SHSHL Player of the Week
This recognition is sponsored by Bergey’s Inc. Athletes are chosen based on nomination of coaches, and the recipient must be a positive presence on the ice and a credit to the game. Consideration also is given to the student-athlete’s standing in the school and community.
Michael Tarasiewicz – Senior at Pennsbury High School
An assistant captain since he set foot on the ice as a freshman, Tarasiewicz not only provides strong leadership, he also is a stalwart defender for a Falcons’ squad that is off to a strong start. Off the ice, Tarasiewicz excels in the classroom. He boasts a 4.0 GPA and has been accepted to the University of Maine and is awaiting word about an ROTC scholarship. He volunteers his time working with the team’s Learn to Skate program.
Note from the coach:
“Mike started playing at the varsity level as a ninth grader, and we made him a captain right away,” coach Joe Deery said. “He’s a great leader, and he’s overall a good kid. He’s good in school, and he comes from a great family. He’s one of those kids that as a senior, the ninth and 10th graders playing for the team look to him for support.
“He never brings the team down. When we’re losing, he’s one of those kids that builds you right up. He’s a really nice kid. He means a lot to the team, and we’re going to miss him a lot.
“The team this year has really jelled together, and that’s why we’re doing pretty decent. It’s because of kids like Mike that we do as well as we do. He’s not one of those flashy kids. He’s just a solid, solid defenseman. He plays defense, and that’s all he does. He’s not looking to score goals - he just plays his position and plays it really well. That’s what I like about him.
“Mike sets the tone for the game. If he takes a penalty, he never argues with the referee. He goes right to the box. He’s that kind of kid. I’ve never seen him get frustrated or flustered about anything. He just does his job and leads the team. That’s the kind of kid he is. If he gets into the ROTC and goes into the service, he’s going to be a leader for them.”
About Michael:
Best memory playing high school hockey: Words cannot describe what I was feeling when I was picked to be on the varsity team my freshman year. I worked so hard to get to that point and when Coach Joe read my name off the list, I was so happy I wanted to scream.
Part of the game I enjoy most: The physical aspect of the game is what I enjoy the most. It is like no other sport in regards to it because it’s rougher, more challenging, and if someone makes a dirty play like slashing ankles or talking smack, you always get an opportunity to make a clean check on them.
How did you get involved in ice hockey? I was first introduced to hockey by my older neighbor and his brothers. We used to play street hockey every day for as long as I can remember. My parents tried to introduce me to other sports like baseball and football, but I knew from the start Ice Hockey was for me. The first organization I played for was Pennsbury’s Learn to Skate program. They gave me the basic skills I needed to play hockey, and from there, I was introduced to the Grundy Senators where I further tuned my skills and made me the hockey player I am today.
My role model is: My role model in life is my father. He is the most disciplined and straight up guy I have ever met, and I hope that I can grow up to have the same morals and characteristics as he does.
Favorite food: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Favorite class: Chemistry
Future plans: I plan to serve in the Marine Corps as an officer and major in chemical engineering while in college.
Four people I’d invite to a dinner party: If I could invite four people to a dinner party, I would invite Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Kim Jong Un, and Osama bin Laden so that I can understand why they committed the atrocities that they did because I believe the first step to solving a problem is understanding the motives behind it.
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