Olds Grizzlys player cleared the decks for the sport he loves
18-year-old Olds Grizzly defenseman Avery Trotter wanted to focus on hockey; to improve his game instead of worrying about school, so he finished high school early
OLD – 18-year-old Olds Grizzly defenseman Avery Trotter wanted to focus on hockey; to improve his game instead of worrying about school, so he finished high school early.
“I did all my classes ahead of time just so I could have more time to focus on hockey,” he said in an interview with the Albertan.
“A couple of years of summer school there, but it all worked out and I’m glad I did what I did.”
The Olds resident made the jump from the Midget AAA Red Deer Optimist Chiefs a few seasons ago.
According to the Elite Prospects website, Trotter is 6ft 2in tall and weighs 196lbs.
“Hockey has always been my number one sport,” he said.
With high school out of the way, Trotter has spent the past few seasons working on a priority for head coach/GM Scott Atkinson: the defensive side of the game.
“Defense is number 1,” said Trotter. “Obviously you have to play defensively before you can play offensively, so I think the main key is to be strong defensively and I was.
“(I) like what he’s doing with the younger guys; building a good, strong team here that all follows his philosophy. I think he’s doing a really good job there and I’m all for it.”
Trotter said improving the defensive part of his game has been a priority not only during the season but also off-season.
He noted that in junior A hockey players move faster, so you have to be ready and think fast.
“I think the D-Zone is really huge,” he said. “You have to stay with your guy. When a man loses his man it can cause chaos. So make sure you have a swivel in the defensive zone and take your chances in the offensive zone.”
Trotter hopes to continue his career in NCAA hockey (Division 1 if possible) or varsity hockey.
When he hangs up his skates, he wants to “stay relatively close to the sport”.
“Of course sport plays a big part in my life, so I did a little bit of sport psychology. I like the mental side of the game. I’ve read quite a bit about it,” he said, adding that sports therapy is another option.
But Trotter said he could also end up working with his brother, who was planning to study architecture.