Leadership Beyond Limits: Michael Cicek’s Impact On and Off the Ice

“Weirdly, I am 20 now,” he added. “I can remember being 17. I just want to take it all in, don’t take anything for granted because after this years its all gone. I am trying to enjoy both the good and the bad, but I am sure at the end of the year it is going to hit me like a wave of emotion.”

While on-ice results speak volumes, ask anyone who has spent time with Cicek on his value. The soft-spoken personality has made a positive impression on his teammates. His ability to engage and uplift those around him contributes to a strong team dynamic, indicating talent and leadership qualities others respect and admire.

“He is mature beyond his years,” teammate Kayden Longley said about the Winnipeg, Manitoba product. “He is such a nice guy. He is funny. He is shy at first, but he opens up when you get really close to him.”

Cicek’s ability to adapt and compete at a high level showcases his dedication to the sport and his role as a mentor for younger players in the game.

“I like to hang out with the younger guys,” Cicek added. “If they are making mistakes, I am going to speak up, and tell them what’s right and what’s wrong, but I am also going to have fun with them, laugh and joke and build good relationships on trust with the young guys. I want to lead them, so when I am done in this league, they can lead the next set of guys coming in.”

Chemistry and likability is often overlooked in a dressing room, where players can bring the group together rather than create divides and pull teammates apart. Cicek is showing his clout within the four walls of the locker room.

“I’ve always considered myself a bit of a leader,” he said. “That’s just the way my parents have raised me.”

The 6th-round bantam pick of the Chiefs in 2019, Cicek will suit up tomorrow night against his old team for career game 150, with 77 of those spent with the Rockets after suiting up for the U.S Division based franchise for the opening 73 games of his career.

“Obviously I play for myself, because this is all I have ever wanted,” he confessed. “If I could do something with hockey in my life, that would be amazing. I am playing for my teammates because it is the last kick of the can and you want to give them everything you can.”

Off the ice, Cicek plays for his family that has supported him tirelessly throughout his hockey journey.

“Outside of playing for the organization, I play for my parents because they sacrificed so much for me growing up,” he added. “My sibling, my brother (Nick) went through the same path I did. My sister didn’t, but she understands it all and supports me so I want to be at my best and make them all proud.”

When the Rockets face the Chiefs tomorrow night (104-7 The Lizard has the pre-game show at 6:35 pm) in a rare Tuesday night tilt, Cicek doesn’t want to be overly reflective, choosing instead to look ahead with optimism.

“Being with the boys on the team…there is nothing better than it,” Cicek says with a sparkle in his eye. “Nothing compares to the bonds you build while you are in the western league, whether its on the ice, on the bus, in the room, getting food after practice, it is a lot of fun.”

In a spirited declaration about the upcoming season, a determined player stated, “I am going to do my best to have a great year, and so are the Rockets, so be excited for what is in store.”

by Regan Bartel

Leadership Beyond Limits: Michael Cicek’s Impact On and Off the Ice

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

What's Trending