EASTON, Mass. – The 2026-2027 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. 

J.J. Grainda, Men's Ice Hockey
 
Why Stonehill
I chose Stonehill to receive a great education and the opportunity to play Division I ice hockey. I looked forward to the opportunity to be a "pioneer" of a new hockey program and be part of the new generation of Division I athletics at Stonehill. As an independent hockey program, Stonehill competes with D1 schools nationally and that was something I was excited about when I committed here. The education is exceptional where I have benefitted from the small class size as an aspiring business student. Stonehill carries a fearless and relentless passion to compete at the highest level in athletics and the classroom and is a source of pride as I enter my senior year. 
 
How has it shaped you?
When I arrived at Stonehill after two years of junior hockey a new world opened. From the first day, the coaches, professors, and support staff of Stonehill made me feel welcome, while also challenging me every day to become the best student-athlete I could be. Coaches encouraged us to be respectful and attentive in every class and professors were supportive and understanding of my athletic goals as well. My experience at Stonehill challenged me, rewarded me, and created life-long friendships that I never thought possible. Now in my senior year I appreciate how I have grown in so many ways and am extremely grateful for all the support from our great coaching staff and every professor. I have acquired many skills and lessons that I will carry with me the rest of my life and I know I am leaving a better person because of Stonehill. 
 
Best Moments …
I had countless memorable moments athletically and academically at Stonehill. Athletically, a highlight was in my sophomore year when our team beat #9 ranked UMass Lowell in overtime at Lowell which was a huge step for our program. It was a hard-fought win and was rewarding to hear the excitement and pride from classmates around campus and fellow alumni as well. Academically, in my junior year it was an honor to be inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor society along with four classmates and teammates who also started with me at Stonehill as freshman. We took pride in our academics during all four years, and it was an honor to be inducted with them. 
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2026-2027 Senior Reflections. 

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