By: Ellie Hazelwood
Sam Stano, right-handed defensive forward for the Ottawa West Golden Knights, has been on the ice since he was six.
Now, Stano is 19, and is great offensively and defensively. He clears the puck, and is a playmaker.
Stano was born East from Toronto, in Courtice, Ontario, and he fell in love with hockey there.
14 is stitched on the back of Stano’s jersey. Growing up, Stano was always 44, but when limited options arose, he went with 14, feeling like it was close enough to his childhood number.
Stano is a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he is inspired by Morgan Rielly, a defenseman for the Maple Leafs. Stano matches Rielly’s style of being involved all over the ice, looking out for his teammates, and setting up plays.
The Central Ontario Wolves (U18, AAA), as well as the Clarington Toros (U16 and U18, AAA), have been Stano’s previous teams, before landing with the Golden Knights.
A strong team makes for strong players, and Stano brings his own strengths to the table.
“I think I’m a hard worker,” Stano said. “I think I bring a nice energy to the team.”
When Stano isn’t on the ice, he studies Mechanical Engineering at the University Of Ottawa. He also likes to hang out and play video games with his friends.
Hockey players like to get hyped up with music, and Stano is one of those players, who has a favourite hype song.
“Probably NOKIA,” Stano said. “It’s by Drake.”
Stano’s favourite thing about playing for the Ottawa West Golden Knights is the fun the team has together.
“It’s a good time,” Stano said. “We have a good time in the room, and on the ice. We’re all here to have fun.”
Stano has good vibes, energy, is involved on both ends of the ice, and works hard, which makes him an important player for the Ottawa West Golden Knights.
