SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Notre Dame junior forward Evan Werner’s path to college hockey has been anything but traditional.
Born and raised in Flower Mound, Texas, Werner said people often react with surprise when they learn about his background. When people find out he’s from Texas and plays hockey, it’s often met with laughs and questions like “Is there even hockey in Texas?”
While the Dallas Stars have helped grow the sport in the Lone Star State, Werner’s path hasn’t been easy. Coming from a non-traditional hockey market, he’s had to work harder to earn his place and reach where he is today.
Early hockey development required extensive travel
Growing up involved extensive travel, often leaving the state to get lessons and development opportunities, Werner said.
“We traveled quite a bit. A lot of plane rides, a lot of car rides, some in Texas but mostly we had to travel out of state for tournaments that we had to go to, so a lot of traveling and a lot of time spent in different states,” Werner said.
His hockey roots trace back to his family’s Canadian connections. Werner’s mother’s side of the family is originally from Toronto, where his uncle and grandfather both played hockey. His mother was a figure skater.
“As soon as I could get on skates, they took that opportunity and threw me on skates,” Werner said.
Texas hockey scene larger than expected
Despite stereotypes about Texas, Werner said the hockey scene is more developed than people realize.
“It’s a lot bigger than people think. I think people think Texas is just a bunch of cowboys and a lot of land, which it is, but there’s quite a few rinks down there and there’s one AAA organization there in Dallas where I’m from, and the rest there are a lot of AA organizations,” Werner said.
Transfer brings Werner to Notre Dame
This season marks Werner’s first year at Notre Dame after spending his sophomore season at Michigan and beginning his college career at Colorado College.
Werner chose Notre Dame because it would be the best place for him to succeed for the next two years of his college eligibility. He said he liked the coaching staff and their philosophy.
“Obviously the school speaks for itself. Very prestigious university and great things to offer,” Werner said.
Werner said his first time on the ice at Notre Dame had a special feeling.
“Everyone says it has a feeling when you get to campus and I think they are right. You just feel the community around here. It’s pretty special, and obviously an amazing rink here,” Werner said.
Message for young Texas hockey players
For young hockey players from Texas watching his journey, Werner offered encouragement.
“Keep going. You can get to where you want to be anywhere. As long as you continue to put the effort in and give your time to it and really care and be passionate about something, I think you can truly get to where you want to be,” Werner said. “Keep going. Be grateful and enjoy it.”
You can watch Sabrina Hoover’s full interview with Werner in the video below:
Sabrina Hoover sits down with Notre Dame junior forward Evan Werner, whose journey to college hockey is anything but traditional.
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