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02/11/2016 11:00 PMJJ Jensen isn’t shy about stating that hockey is his No. 1 sport. JJ got into the game at a young age and has consistently improved his craft. Now a senior, JJ is leading his team in points, while also leading the way as a captain for the Indians, who are in the midst of a stellar year at 7-3-1.
“I have good vision on the ice. I’m able to see plays well and see them before they happen,” says JJ. “I have a good hockey IQ. I’m able to make good plays and get the puck to the net and get assists and goals from there.”
JJ’s point totals have grown with each season he’s competed for North Haven. As a sophomore, he recorded 11 points on two goals with nine assists. Then as a junior, he saw that number go up to 16 points behind seven scores and nine helpers. This winter, JJ is centering North Haven’s first line and has already matched last year’s total by tallying 16 points through his nine goals and seven assists.
Head Coach Mike Silengo says that JJ’s offensive output is a direct result of his effort and dedication.
“He’s the hardest-working kid on the ice. He’s the first one through all the battle drills, so he’s clearly a great leader for a team. He really paves the way for the young guys,” says Silengo. “He’s just a great leader for the young guys. He’s a good skater, has a tremendous shot, he’s a smart player, and great kid overall. He definitely makes our job easy.”
JJ takes great pride in putting in the work and is a firm believer that all the energy he expends in practice will pay off come game time.
“I like the old saying, ‘You practice how you play.’ I try to practice as hard as I can, whether on or off ice. I try to be the best I can be for my team,” JJ says. “I’ve always grown up with the mindset that I need to work hard for good results.”
JJ’s work ethic and leadership skills earned him the honor of serving as one of North Haven’s captains this winter. JJ likes the role because it allows him to make a positive impact on his younger teammates.
“I just think the way I can handle certain situations, whether it’s younger players who need help or are struggling, I can guide them. They see me as a figure,” says JJ of how he views himself as a leader. “I’m able to be someone that somebody can lean on and somebody they can turn to for help. It feels great and gives me a sense of pride. It makes me feel good to give others advice and help them with their game.”
As a sophomore at North Haven, JJ decided to join some of his friends on the boys’ soccer team and ultimately worked his way to the captain’s helm for that squad, as well. Being new to the sport, JJ focused on making steady improvements every day and he wound up garnering All-Oronoque Honorable Mention last fall.
“I like soccer. Being new, I was nervous. I didn’t want to look like a fool as others have played their whole life,” says JJ, who was also All-SCC Academic as a junior. “They helped me and I was able to adapt pretty quickly.”
JJ played all ends of the pitch for the Indians. His primary positions were midfield and forward, but JJ would even play defense if called upon by boys’ soccer coach Federico Fiondella. As a result of his unrelenting effort, JJ was the recipient of the Guido Fiondella Merit Award, a distinction named in honor of Coach Fiondella’s late father.
“I try to choose the person for that award that emulated what my dad was like. My dad was a hard worker that did his work day in and day out and didn’t get all the credit he deserved,” says Fiondella. “JJ was humble, hard-working, and he energized the team. He wasn’t cocky and just went in there, did his job, and motivated everyone else to do their job. You need a guy like that on your team to be successful. I’m extremely proud of his achievements.”
JJ certainly enjoyed his time competing for North Haven’s soccer program, but now it’s hockey season, which means he’s focused on playing his best to help the Indians remain on the ice for as long as possible.
“Hockey, it’s pretty much my life. When hockey season comes around, I’m the happiest,” says JJ. “It’s going to be tough leaving it. I just love hockey.”