Aside from winning a Stanley Cup, representing Team USA is the most cherished accomplishment that a hockey player can achieve in this country. For Levittown native Chris Joseph, that dream is about to become a reality.
“I was ecstatic”, said Joseph in regards to his feelings upon being told he was selected to represent Team USA in Trentino, Italy next month. “It’s a huge honor and achievement,” he added.
Hockey has long been in the Joseph family roots. His father, Hal, played collegiately. His brother did as well; he was a goalie at Stony Brook.
Joseph has been a standout hockey player for his whole life. He began playing ice hockey from the time he could walk and has devoted much of his life to perfecting his craft.
“I played football and lacrosse in middle school, but it’s been all hockey since 9th grade when I realized I wanted to pursue it as a career,” said the 6’1” 190lb defensemen. Since that time, he was named captain at MacArthur High School,
where he led the team to two championships prior to graduating in 2009. He moved on to play his collegiate ball at Stony Brook where has led the Seawolves to a record of 11-2.
For his incredible play, scouts for Team USA took notice. During a showcase in Chicago last year, the scouts were extremely pleased. So impressed were the scouts, in fact, that they put him on the preliminary roster after consulting with
Head Coach Scott Balboni. Joseph was officially listed on the roster after receiving a call from Balboni.
It is no small feat for a hockey player to be chosen to represent his country. Joseph created this opportunity for himself through his work ethic.
“I’m the kind of player that will do whatever it takes to win,” he said. I’ll block shots and throw hits,” he added. “Off the ice I’m always in the gym.” That is the type of mentality that will go a long way for Team USA in the tournament.
The team will leave for Italy on Dec. 5 and will remain there for the duration of the Olympics which will last three weeks.
