When you think of Good Counsel, you probably think about its great athletic program. GC has won over 70 WCAC titles in the last decade alone, and graduates have gone on to play at the highest level in both college and professional sports. GC is always among the best sports schools in the area, in part because of our tremendous student-athletes. 

In this recurring segment, you will be able to get to know some of the GC athletes who go out and represent our school in athletic events.

Today we get to feature Nick Krauze ’24, who plays on the GC hockey team. In this feature, Nick talks about how he got into hockey, what he likes to do off the ice, and why his spirit animal would be an otter!

Introduction:

When and why did you start playing hockey?

No one in my family played hockey so my parents made me start skating before I played. I started skating when I was about 9 years old, and I started playing house hockey when I turned 10 years old.

What position do you play?

I play Defense. I used to play winger up until high school. In high school, I realized I was better at defense and made it my main position.

What’s your favorite part about playing hockey?

I love the game of hockey! My favorite part is buzzing with the team and making plays to help the team, along with the hits and the team chemistry!

Hockey:

What has been your greatest challenge playing hockey- and how have you overcome it?

The transition to high school hockey. I played a lower level of hockey and when I started high school the game was a lot faster and more complex. Learning from coaches and teammates taught me how to adapt and even allowed me to go on to play travel hockey. It was also hard to transition to defense- I had to learn a whole new position but with the help of coaches it was possible.

What’s the team environment like? What do you guys do to bond on and off the ice?

We are a tight group of guys who love each other. When we gel as a team, no one can stop us. Some of us have pregame handshakes to get ready for the game. One of my favorite things we do as a team is watching hockey on the bus together before or after a game. No one does it better than the pros and to watch as a team is fun. From practice to lifts we always find a way to have fun but still focus!

What’s your pregame hype song?

I don’t think I have one specific song but one of my favorites is Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill.

Off the Ice:

When you’re not playing hockey, what else do you like to do in your free time?

When off the ice you can find me hanging out with friends and family, watching sports, trading sports cards, or working. Sports are huge in my family and some sort of game is always on in our house. 

What’s your spirit animal? 

I would be an otter. I am a big guy and a teddy bear but if I get mad I can be quite ferocious.

School:

What’s your favorite class in school?

History, I love learning about history and I know a lot about it. 

What’s your least favorite class?

Math

Legacy:

Who would you say is/ has been your biggest inspiration?

My Dad is my greatest inspiration, he was a multi-sport athlete as well as a D1 athlete. He has also been my coach in many sports throughout my life. He has taught me many lessons on the field that have not only changed my game but also lessons about life. He is also my greatest supporter. I can’t count all the time he has spent with me, from traveling all over the country to all the drives to and from practices and never missing a game. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing hockey?

Relax the mind and keep your head up. Hockey is similar to life in the sense that with cluttered comes mistakes. I have learned to slow down and take a deep breath, relax, and not overthink the play. I have also learned you must keep your head up. In hockey, if your head is down you are asking to get blown up and that goes for life as well. 

What do you want your legacy to be at GC?

I want to be known as the guy who always has a smile and can always make everyone smile.