Kansas City Stars Hockey

Christian Cardin

Many athletes start playing their game when they are young, and Christian Cardin is no exception. At the tender age of 4, he began ice skating and, shortly afterward, tried hockey. Eleven years later, he is still playing.
Christian explains his love of hockey: “When I first started skating, I liked the fast pace of the game and the thrill and freedom of skating.”
The Blue Valley Northwest High School sophomore plays for the Kansas City Jets, made up of local high school students who compete against teams from Iowa and Nebraska. Their season runs from September to March, with games on most weekends.
KC Jets coach Gary Emmons says, “This is my first year coaching Christian. He originally played defense, and I moved him to forward. He has exceeded all expectations at forward and has adjusted very well to the position. Early in the season, he scored a couple of big goals for us.”
Christian’s teams have won quite a few awards along the way. He has been on several teams through the years that have won out-of-state tournaments and one year he played on a team that was nationally ranked.
Traveling many weekends requires the 15-year-old to miss some school days, but Christian has a good system to keep up with his studies.
“I try to look ahead to what my upcoming assignments are going to be and I also stay in contact with my teachers about my schedule if I am going to miss school,” he says.
On top of his hectic hockey schedule, Christian stays active in his community, too. Through his church, he has participated in mission trips with his youth group, led small group discussions for younger teens going through confirmation and served as an usher. For the past three years, he has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Christian plays the cello and he assists at a music studio to help other cellists learn their instrument.
“I enjoy giving because it helps me appreciate the opportunities that I have been given and it makes me feel good knowing that I am able to help others in my community who are less fortunate,” he says.
Emmons acknowledges that the teen has a good head on his shoulders. “Christian is a good kid. He’s not like a lot of teenagers. He’s not rowdy or loud and he keeps to himself.”
Christian is grateful for both of his parents, who have sacrificed and supported him through the years.
“They have always helped me to see the bigger picture in life,” he remarks.