You might’ve seen him on the ice representing the Patriots: now he plans to stay on the ice way beyond high school.
Senior John Billingsley is planning to continue hockey. He has played forward for the school team throughout his four years. He has played for Team Maryland and he currently plays for the Washington Little Capitals (WLC). The WLC program intends to give elite hockey players the chance to practice at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex. They also play in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League. “I am planning on playing after this year but I am not sure where I will be playing yet,” Billingsley said.
Hockey has been a part of Billingsley’s life since a young age. One of the things he said he will miss the most when he graduates is being able to play with kids he has known since elementary school. “I have been playing hockey since I was four years old,” Billingsley said.
Senior Hunter Band has played with Billingsley since elementary school. They are friends on and off the rink. He believes that Billingsley will achieve great things in the future. “I have been best friends with John for as long as I can remember and I have played with him ever since we were eight years old. I have played for the Montgomery Blue Devils with him and for Wootton. I admire him for being so determined to achieve his goals. I hope to see him play professionally one day,” Band said. “By the way, I taught him everything he knows.”
Billingsley likes the idea of pursuing a career as a hockey player. In fact, playing professionally or for the National Hockey League (NHL) is one of his main objectives. “That is my goal. I would love to be able to play pro hockey,” Billingsley said.
Hockey is not the only sport he likes to play. He also plays midfield for the lacrosse team. The University of Maryland recruited him for lacrosse, however, he ended up decommitting. “I like to play lacrosse as well,” Billingsley said.
Junior Scotty Collinson, who is also on the hockey team, has practiced and played with Billingsley. Collinson said that he is not only a skillful player, but he also contributes to the dynamic of the team. “John is a great hockey player, one of the best I have ever played with. He’s a great guy in the locker room with the advice he gives and pushed our team forward. He is an exceptional talent and definitely has a chance of playing great hockey after high school,” Collinson said.
Billingsley looks up to Patrick Kane, who currently is a player for the Chicago Blackhawks. “My favorite hockey player is Patrick Kane because he is a skilled player who makes those around him better,” Billingsley said.
