BY RANDY SCHULTZ–
For Adam Page wearing the USA Hockey jersey never gets old. Nor does winning Paralympic Gold Medals.
Going for a third straight gold medal in South Korea with the US Paralympic Sled Hockey team is almost unthinkable for the 26-year-old Page. Especially when it comes to facing arch-rival Canada for the gold.
“The third time is something I really can’t put into words,” remarked Page, a native of Buffalo, NY who now resides in nearby Lancaster. “I was happy to be in my first one.
“Now I’m in my third and words can’t describe how happy I am.
“But I know it won’t be easy. But we’re ready for the challenge.”
Page was a member of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team that won the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Games.
It is an experience that the St. Mary’s High School graduate will not soon forget.
“It’s amazing,” exclaimed Page, a Medaille College graduate. “The fact that it was my second gold medal in two straight Paralympics makes it even more special.
“You never know if you are going to a part of another Paralympics or not. And being a part of history by being the only team to win back-to-back gold medals was really cool.”
What made this Paralympics even more special was the fact that the gold medal game was televised on national television.
“It was great that our team could be a part of that national exposure,” commented Page. “It helped give more exposure to sled hockey as well as the Paralympics.
If there is one thing for certain with Page, Gold Medals never grows old.
“I remember Vancouver (2010 Paralympics) like it was yesterday,” stated Page. “There is no other feeling like it.
“To have your National Anthem being sung and have your flag being raised, especially for the second time (in 2014), no, it never gets old.”
Page was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect caused by the incomplete formation of the vertebrae. But he has overcome all of that and excelled in sled hockey.
Throughout his hockey career Page has become quite the motivational speaker.
“I really enjoy talking and giving motivational speeches, especially to kids,” said Page. “I want to give back to others and this is one way of doing it.
“I want to help kids realize that they have great opportunities that they can achieve. Being a veteran on the team and not know what the future might bring with hockey in the future, it’s very important for me to start giving back now.”
What does the future hold for Page?
“Hockey-wise, I want to continue to play hockey as long as I can,” responded Page. “I want to help younger guys to get the same opportunities that I had.
“Hopefully when I get done with sled hockey I would like to get into coaching. Hockey has been a huge part of my life. I don’t know if I could ever give it up.
“So coaching would be the best way to do it.”
But Page also has another hockey-career in mind if coaching doesn’t work out.
“With my college major, it would be another way to stay in hockey,” said Page, who has a degree in Sports Management. “If not in coaching, then maybe in the front office.”
Page’s future certainly looks bright.
