“When I run [skate], I feel His pleasure.” – Eric Liddle, Chariots of Fire

For Michael, hockey isn’t just a sport he loves; it’s a lens through which he has navigated life. This year, he chose Deuteronomy 31:8 to mark his time in hockey, which says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will never fail you nor abandon you.” He reflects, “I go through a lot of change, but that reminds me to stay grounded. Through hockey, God’s been very present. I probably wouldn’t even be playing hockey without Him. He works in different ways for everybody.”

When asked about his goals for this year, he says, “I’m gonna focus on knowing myself, and it doesn’t matter who I’m going on the ice with; I just know who I am.” He wants to be a smart player who makes everyone around him better. “I [also] want to help and encourage more Asian kids to start [playing] hockey.” As a Korean-American kid who has lived in and traveled to multiple countries and states, he wants to use his platform to help encourage those around him.

Michael Park, known as #23 on the ice and “Parky" off the ice, is currently on the Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16UAAA team for the 2025 season.

His journey with hockey began at the age of seven in Pasadena, CA. Having just moved from living overseas in Mongolia as a missionary kid, part of acclimating to life in the States came through the form of a newfound love for the sport. Then, a new move across state lines, this time to Las Vegas, NV, challenged him to continue. After taking a break, he began learning the fundamentals of the game by joining a development team after playing in a local league. From Vegas, the move back to California, where Michael played in Valencia for three years for the Santa Clarita Flyers, then most recently, for the Irvine Ducks, being one of nine players returning for this season.

“Hockey is basically everything I am. It’s taught me a lot, like perseverance. Hockey’s taught me that life is hard, but you can always find the good in everything.” As for the years to come? “I’ve had a lot of different dreams for hockey, but right now, it’s to go to Boston College for NCAA Division I hockey. After that, everything’s cherry on top.”

“To the people supporting me I say thank you and that I’ll make it worthwhile. The support is not for nothing.”

*Since Michael is a minor, his mother Christine Park will be making sure the funds are used to further Michael's dream to play Division I hockey.