EASTON, Mass. – The 2025-2026 Senior Reflections is a series of annual collections. Senior representatives of teams at Stonehill have been invited to contribute and reflect on their personal experiences over their four-year careers at Stonehill - both on and off the playing surface. 

Evan Orr, Men's Ice Hockey
 
Why Stonehill?
From my first conversation with Coach Berard, I knew Stonehill was the place for me. Coming to Stonehill offered me the opportunity to continue my college playing career while also furthering my education at an amazing school. I loved everything the hockey program had to offer on and off the ice, as well as the vision the program has for the future. Having previously played junior hockey in Massachusetts along with the smaller school setting, I found it easy and comforting coming back to the east coast to attend Stonehill College. Stonehill ultimately felt like a place where I could develop every aspect of my life.
 
How Has Stonehill Shaped You As a Person?
When I first got to Stonehill I was a little nervous because it was a new setting. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone and grow as a person. Meeting new teammates and classmates helped me feel more comfortable and showed the importance of getting out and networking with people. Through my experiences in the rink and classroom, I feel that I have grown as a leader both athletically and academically. Stonehill has allowed me the chance to become more mature, confident, and prepared for whatever the future may bring. 
 
Best Moments …
There are so many great athletic moments to choose from at Stonehill. From traveling with the team to just being in the locker room with the guys, it has all been memorable. When I look back, the moment that sticks out the most is when we beat UMass-Lowell.

That night was a roller-coaster of game that we fought hard to win. We believed in ourselves when many didn't, and we worked until the very end to earn a win. It was a moment for our program that will last forever and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.  

My favorite academic moment at Stonehill was finishing my undergraduate degree and walking at graduation. Being able to share that day with my family and friends will be something that I will always remember. The support I received from the school and coaching staff to finish my degree early was truly amazing. They provided the means for me to reach my goal and none of it would have been possible without their help.  

Lessons Learned
The most important lesson I have learned about myself is that my mind is my greatest tool. I find that a negative outlook only creates more obstacles, while a positive and confident mindset allows me to perform at my best. Whether I'm having a good game or facing challenges, my mindset is the one thing I'm always in control of. Even if things are going my way on the ice or not, my mindset is the one piece that needs to be there. That lesson is something that I can carry with me and apply to hockey and everyday life. 

The skills I have learned throughout college and at Stonehill will help me in so many ways once I leave Stonehill. The time management skills needed to juggle school and sports can be very tough at times, but I think that is one of the many benefits of being a student-athlete. That helped develop a sense of discipline that will be transferable to any job or career that I may find myself in later in life.  

I also believe the ability to be part of a team is a skill that I will use very often, even if it isn't in sports. Being able to work with a group every day helps me push others to be better, while also being pushed myself. Trying to accomplish any big goal in life will likely need the help of someone else. Whether it is coaching a team or in the workplace, being able to effectively communicate and work with others will make achieving a goal easier and much more enjoyable. It's hard to explain, but there is something special about being on a team that grows closer every day, and I hope that is something I get to experience again after Stonehill.  
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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