As the New York Aviators take some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday, it was a time for the players to reflect on their time in Brooklyn and what they are most thankful for, not only in hockey, but more importantly in life.
Below are some of the responses from the Aviators players about what they are thankful for in life, hockey and about being a New York Aviator.
Augie Onorato Jr.
In my life in most thankful for my family who is always there to support me with every choice I’ve made in my life and for keeping me grounded by always reminding me of where I came from.
In my hockey career I’m most thankful for all the brothers and memories I have made along the way.
The thing I’m most thankful for about playing in Brooklyn would hands down be my billet family. Nanette, Big George and (now our assistant coach) Georgie are always there for us through thick and thin. Taking us places if we don’t have rides to just sitting down and talking to us. They make not just myself, but all 10 of us feel like we never left home.
Jimmy Warrick
I am most thankful for my parents. All they have done for me and all their support has made me the man I am today and I cannot thank them enough.
I am most thankful for all the amazing sport of hockey has taught me. I am so thankful I grew up playing this sport and grateful I get to give back and coach!
I am very thankful for the coaching and management staff in New York. They have given me the opportunity to grow both as a hockey player and as a leader.
Philip Pistraya
Playing in Brooklyn for the NY Aviators is literally the best place for me to be at the moment. All summer long I was debating where I should spend my next season playing after a challenging rookie year with two different organizations. After doing some serious thought I decided maybe NY Aviators was the place for me.
I knew the owner of the team from a previous encounter and decided to give him a call and hope for the answer. I’m thankful to be playing here and the reason I chose this team was mainly because of coach Stanaway.
I knew that he was one of the most successful coaches in juniors and knew his style of the game would eventually make me a better player. Knowing the championship style, I wanted this to be the stepping stone in my junior career to hopefully bring me a further opportunity with hockey.
Stephen Mundinger
I am most thankful for my wonderful family in my life. I am thankful for my wonderful parents giving me the opportunity to live my dream and play hockey. I am most thankful for a great coaching staff and owner.
Sean Lake
My mom and family…
Friendships and bonds you make with your teammates…
The determination my team has to win and the opportunities it gives me.
Eric Hewitt
I’m most thankful for my family.
I’m most thankful for my parents for my hockey career and my brother. They endless drives every weekend, the early 7 am games, the amount of money they put into all of your equipment, ice bills, travel bills. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Daniel Backstrom
I’m thankful for my family.
I’m thankful for meeting all the amazing people during my hockey career and all the things hockey has tought me.
I’m thankful for all the amazing players and people I’ve met in Brooklyn.
After some time off, the Aviators are back on the road to western New York Dec. 4-6 to face the Lockport Express. The Aviators are 1-0-1 against the Express this season.
