Fun and Excitement on Dek

Sophomore Dominic Porter talks about his love for dek hockey, and why more kids should give the sport a try.

Dominic (Dom) will be a sophomore this fall, and he’s excited to play for the Penn Hills Indians Ball Hockey team (sometimes called dek hockey) for the second year. As a freshman player, he was the third top scorer for the year and was voted Most Valuable Player twice. He started playing the sport when he was just six years old.

“I started out as a center, but I now play right wing, and I like it much better,” says Dom. “I’ve played all the positions and right wing is my favorite.”

Dom’s dad, Christopher played ice hockey and has coached Dom in the past with ball hockey. “He really challenges himself, like learning to play all the positions,” explains Christopher. He also says that Dom is cool under pressure. “He doesn’t get flustered, he remains calm.”

Christopher also notes Dom’s leadership skills, despite his young age. “He works with the younger kids and is currently a Level 1 Referee and working on Level 2. On his travel team, the Riverview Raptors, he has been an assistant and has served as team captain.” Dom’s high school team came in second place nationally last year.

Besides leadership on the court, the Raptors have demonstrated their character in the community as well. The team has raised over $50,000 in the last ten years for Relay For Life Cancer Research.

Both Dom and Christopher hope to see ball hockey become more popular. “The minimum HSBH roster is 15 spots on a team, and we’ve sometimes had difficulties getting that. It’s a great sport that can help ice hockey players stay in shape in the off season, and it also helps build character. Dom has learned to overcome adversity, and is a great team player, encouraging others.

Dom also hopes to see the sport grow. “There’s no way to figure out if you will like something until you try it. Just come and try it.”