Anthony Rocco-Hoffman #99- A hockey player with a vision!

  I started watching hockey when I was 3, I love the game! Something about seeing Eddie Jovanoski aka "Jovo Cop" in action, made me want to play. I started playing ice hockey when I was 5 and have now played for ten years.  When I am on the ice I feel at home and nothing else matters at the time. It's just about getting that puck to the back of their net by any means possible. No matter if it's me or one of my teammates scoring, it's about getting the goal.  In 7th grade I wasn't looking forward to going to PPCHS because they did not have an ice hockey team. I attended Charter since kindergarten and didn't want to leave.  I talked it over with my family and it was my Uncle Joe who came up with the first step in this hockey clubs success.  As he advised, I wrote Mayor Frank Ortis, a letter since the PPCHS is a city regulated school. I knew he could help. I explained how important ice hockey was to me and how I wanted to play for high school and college.
   As I had hoped, the mayor helped me and thought it was a great idea for the school. With the city's support and the wonderful and dedicated people of West Pembroke Pines Optimist the Ice Jags club was formed.  
   My mother, Maria Rocco-Hoffman is the PPCHS Ice Jags Commissioner. She met with the Director of Parks & Recreation, Mr. Dean Combs and President of the WPPO, Mr. Vincent Grippa they endorsed my mom and asked if she would give the next 4 years of her life as commissioner of this club.  My mom accepted this tall task with fearlessness and determination, although it was not easy at times.  I began recruiting sponsors and raising money.  Almost everyday of summer 2007, I went out with my dad, Ron Hoffman. We visited businesses throughout Pembroke Pines asking for sponsorship for our team.  Our joined efforts proved successful. I raised $4,500 in sponsorship support.
   My dream, to play high school Ice Hockey, to represent my city and school has come true. My sincere appreciation goes to Mayor Ortis, my coach's, the board of directors, the great people from the WPPO, the players on the Ice Jags, and most of all, my family & friends who supported me along the way.  For if it was not for these key people, this team would not exist.
   My determination and hard work has proven that if you have a vision & you know what you want,, are willing to work hard and believe in yourself, you can make things happen that seem impossible!!