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LAHC NEWS
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FORMER LA SELECTS ADAM REID
http://www.usahockey.com/USANTDP/default.aspx?NAV=AF_04&id=288208&DetailedNews=yes
Reid taking positive steps with NTDP
June 4, 2010
By Becky Olsen
Special to USAHockey.com
The ocean. A kayak. Those are two things that National Team Development Program forward Adam Reid might be missing from home back in California. But Reid is living out his dream, playing hockey for Team USA at NTDP headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Reid, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound forward, grew up in Chino Hills, Calif., just a short distance from the beach. He started playing roller hockey when he was 5 and made the switch to ice hockey at age 10.
“There was not much of a future in roller hockey,” Reid said. “I was ready to take the next step, so I stopped roller hockey and got really serious about ice hockey.”
It also helped that Reid’s sister, Ashley, picked up the sport at the same time. Ashley continued with her ice hockey career in college and recently finished her sophomore season as a defenseman at NCAA Division III Chatham University in Pennsylvania.
“We were always there for each other and served as a support system,” Reid said.
Reid worked hard to reach his dream of playing for Team USA. Of course, who will ever forget that phone call and invitation to join the NTDP? For Reid and his family, it was a special moment.
“I was in the car with my mom when the call came from Ryan (Rezmierski, NTDP Director of Player Personnel),” Reid said. “He told me that a spot had opened and before he could even finish, I told him ‘Yes.’ My mom and I celebrated in the car. I spoke to my dad and he was definitely very excited for me.
“It wasn’t easy, but the decision was simple. I wanted to play here and follow my dream. It was a no-brainer. Leaving home halfway through high school is not easy, but I wouldn’t trade it.”
Reid first learned of the NTDP at USA Hockey event in Rochester, N.Y.
“I was 14 and at the National Festival, and a player spoke to our group about the NTDP,” Reid said. “It was then that I set my sights on making the team. I kept it in the back of my mind. I was always watching how I did things, working out and doing anything to improve.”
That idea was something that Reid took to heart, continually working to improve on a daily basis. He appeared in 48 games for the LA Selects Midget Minor team in 2008-09, tallying 43 points (31 goals, 12 assists).
In 2009-10, Reid played in 34 games, posting six goals and seven assists for 13 points. In addition, he racked up 32 penalty minutes.
“I never considered myself a positive guy, but I really surprised myself by that this year,” Reid said. “I broke my thumb at the beginning of the year and suffered a concussion near the end. I kept staying with it -- finding a way to contribute, even if I wasn’t playing.”
Reid’s dedication and desire clearly shines through. He has committed to Northeastern University after his playing days are done with the NTDP. Right now, he is focused on improving.
“Coach (Ron) Rolston has been tremendous,” Reid said. “I have learned so much from him, especially on both sides of the ice. I have improved a lot and understand my position better. I understand my role and what I am supposed to do with that.”
Every day, Reid has the opportunity that many players dream about -- an opportunity to wear the red, white and blue.
“It was my dream to play for Team USA. When I finally put that jersey on, I was pretty jacked up. The jersey summed up everything that I have been working toward,” he said.
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