Palisade Sophomore, Braeden Tompkins, is the Male Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Tompkins plays ice Hockey as a Defenseman. He plays for the Caprock Academy High School boys team. Family first sparked Tompkins’ love and passion for the sport, where he has been extending that aspiration for 13 years now.
“My uncle started taking me to the rink when I was little and it quite literally became my favorite place, so I spent a lot of time there. Eventually, my uncle got me my gear and I started playing hockey.”
The support that Tompkins receives from family, friends, and even fans is inspiring, ultimately making the sport even more so enjoyable. “My favorite thing about hockey would have to be the fans. They really get into it and there are usually a lot, so it makes the whole vibe in the rink really cool, and when the team starts buzzing you can even feel from our bench all of the excitement from the fans.”
Tompkins is not only influenced by family members to grow within the sport and to become a better player, but he is also influenced by bigger names who have a career in ice hockey. “My biggest inspiration is definitely Cale Makar, who is a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche hockey team. He is the best in the world and I definitely try to model my play after his own. I especially feel connected to him since he plays Avalanche, who I grew up watching and supporting.” Through the achievements of Cale Makar, Tompkins is inspired to reach his own goals and accomplishments. “My greatest hockey accomplishments are definitely yet to come, but I would say that being a top two defenseman and playing a little AA/AAA in Wisconsin a couple of summers ago would be my biggest accomplishments currently.”
As a Sophomore athlete, Tompkins still has a lot ahead of him with much more to achieve and learn. He has already come so far, bringing much positivity to his teammates and peers. Congratulations Braeden Tompkins for receiving Male Athlete of the Week!
