From provincial championships in Canada to lifting silverware with the Leeds Knights, hockey has taken Owen Sobchak around the world to multiple different countries and created countless unforgettable moments.
Now preparing for his first full season at The Castle after arriving in West Yorkshire midway through last season, the Canadian forward reflects on how hockey has shaped his life, the people who inspired him along the way, and why pulling on a Leeds jersey means more than just another stop in his career.
Wearing the colours of blue and yellow carries an extra layer of meaning for the 33-year-old
"My mum was actually born in Leeds," he explained. "Being able to play for the city she was born in is a pretty cool experience."
The forward is eager to build on what was already a memorable introduction to life at The Castle.
"I really enjoyed the half season I had last year," he said. "Hopefully we can carry over what we did last year and see what happens this season."
Growing up in Canada, hockey was always set to be a huge part of life.
"In Canada, hockey is like football over here," he said. "As soon as you're able to walk, you pretty much get into skating. All my friends and siblings played, and obviously I wanted to play with my friends and be like my older brothers and sisters. It just seemed natural."
Growing up in a hockey-loving family, it was inevitable he would follow in the footsteps of those closest to him with his love for the game born through spending weekends at the rink, watching his family.
"All my friends and my siblings played, and my dad always played growing up. I'd go to the rink and watch him on the weekends, then I'd watch my brothers and sisters as well. It was definitely a family thing."
One of his earliest hockey memories came at just seven years old, competing on one of the biggest stages available for his age at the time, representing his team in the Ontario Provincial Championships.
"I was about seven years old playing in the Ontario Provincial Championship Finals. I'd actually been sick for the two days before, so I couldn't play in the semi-finals, but we made the final. Unfortunately, we lost in overtime, but just playing provincial hockey at that age was a really cool experience."
As a youngster, he idolised Vancouver Canucks legend Pavel Bure, whose electrifying style of play helped shape his love for the game.
"I'd always watch Pavel Bure. He was one of the best players I've ever seen and that's how I became a Vancouver Canucks fan."
After progressing through junior and university hockey in Canada, Sobchak’s career has taken him across the world.
"My hockey journey has been pretty eventful," he smiled. "I grew up in Canada, played junior hockey in Canada, then university hockey in Canada, before moving to Sweden for four or five years. I even ended up in Australia for a summer, and now this is my fifth year in the UK.
"It's been a lot of travel, a lot of sightseeing, and a lot of memories made with friends."
Those experiences have helped shape both the player and the person he is today.
"I try to take a little bit away from every team I've been on in each country," he explained. "You obviously make memories with all the friends you meet over the years, and I think it's built me into the character I am now.
"Learning from every player and every coach has definitely helped my game, and friendships along the way… I still keep in touch with all of them.”
While his career has taken him around the world, his biggest influences have always remained close to home.
"My parents have had the biggest influence on my career," he said. "They were the ones driving me to the rink when I was a kid, and my dad coached me as well. They gave me the opportunity to keep playing and without them I definitely wouldn't be where I am today."
One lesson from hockey has stayed with him throughout his career.
"You've got to be patient," he said. "You never know what's going to happen. Sometimes you'll win, sometimes you'll lose, but at the end of the day you've got to show up the next day and keep working."
That mentality paid off last season as he helped the Knights lift the play-off trophy in Coventry.
"My proudest hockey moment would definitely be winning the playoffs with Leeds," he said. "Especially against my former team - it felt a little bit better."
"With five minutes left we were still losing, but we managed to come back and win. That'll always be one I'll remember."
When it comes to memorable goals, there are three that immediately spring to mind for the Canadian.
"My first goal in my first game when I started with Leeds is definitely up there," he said. "I'd also say my first junior goal when I was 17 years old, scoring in front of my family and friends, and my 100th point in Hull. Those are all memorable ones."
Standing out in a sport dominated by bigger players has also brought its own challenges.
"I'm not the tallest player, so that's definitely been one of the biggest challenges," he admitted. "I've had to find other ways to be successful by using my hockey IQ, my speed and different parts of my game."
Away from the rink, family remains a priority.
"Living away from home makes it difficult to see everyone all the time, so whenever I get the chance to go back and spend time with family and friends, that's what I enjoy most. If I can get on the golf course as well, even better."
Although he admits his golf game might not be quite as impressive as he likes people to believe.
"I'm not actually very good at golf," he laughed. "I just talk about it a lot."
With preparations well underway for the new campaign, he is excited by the squad Ryan Aldridge has assembled.
"I think the team's forming up really nicely. With the additions we've made and everyone who's coming back, I think we can continue where we left off."
Pre-season begins at The Castle on Friday 4th September against the Tilburg Trappers, 7pm face-off. Get your tickets now.
