Highlander Hockey Club: Winter 2004

(44) John Cokos

Right Defense

Age:	34
Hometown:	Cape May, New Jersey
Height:	5' 10"
Weight:	200
Started Playing:	In college (Michigan State). Did the waterboy sock-picker-upper thing there, learned the game from the inside, but didn't get a lot of good "under-fire" practice. Did watch MSU in the frozen4 for 3 straight years, though
Why hockey ?	Aggression and Speed. Pure and simple, it's controlled mayhem.
Favorite thing about hockey:	Teamwork. Moreso than any other sport (except maybe football), success in hockey is completely predicated upon the trust you place in your teammates. It's a war out there, and all you've got to rely on is the other four guys out there with you. Hockey is all about hard work, discipline and tenacity. There's nothing more satisfying than the reward you get for completely busting your hump for 60 minutes, and knowing that 20 other guys are out there ready to take one on the chin for you too.
Style of play:	Aggressive (sensing a theme here?). I believe in being proactive rather than reactive. Taking the play to the other team, and the puck from them. I am the guy that'll dive head first in front of a slapshot, and knock you on your butt if you put your head down for even a second.
Favorite NHL Team:	Philadelphia Flyers
Favorite NHLer (today):	Jeremy Roenick. He'll beat the hell out of you, and then fake your goalie out his skates.
Favorite NHLer (ever):	Bobby Clarke. A little guy that everyone was afraid to death of. Not the most skilled player, but his grit more than made up for it.
Favorite food:	Pasta. Any kind, any time.
Favorite beer/beverage:	Bass Ale.
Favorite Movie:	Funny: Slapshot. Serious: Brians Song.
Other Stuff...	Married (going on 9 years). 4 year old son, Zachary, who's almost a better skater than I am.