An Interview With Sam Cheema
You joined the newly reformed Haringey Racers this off-season, what tempted you to move to a new team and drop down a division?
After playing last year in Kent on my gap year it was ideal for me to play hockey near my University so I could focus on my studies whilst still playing hockey. I was contacted by the owner of the team Dave Richards in the summer and we had few conversations throughout the summer about signing for the team. I was apprehensive at first dropping down but it is evident from the team put together that this is not your average NIHL2 team. My main focus this year as a player is to develop and as any player knows you can only do that being on the ice in game situations. I’m looking to grasp my opportunities and prove what I can offer as a player.
It’s the team’s first year back in the league, what are the goals this season? Will you be looking to stabilise or is promotion the aim?
By looking at our team on paper and in the first two games it’s clear that Simon has put together a team to push for the league and cup this season. Personally, coming away from the season anything other than first would be a failure. The team and infrastructure has been put in to set the organisation up and provide longevity and all that are involved in the set-up of the club should be commended for their work lust far.
You’re coaching at Guildford now too, how is that going?
I’m really enjoying it! It’s so refreshing to see kids playing hockey and smiling. Sometimes when you get older you lose sight at why you first started playing the game and just watching the u10s skate it takes you back and you appreciate the game even more. By going through the junior system at Guildford it was always on my intentions to do my levels so I could give back to a club that has moulded and shaped me into the person I am today. In the summer I worked in New York working for the Future Rangers. This experience alone has taught me a lot about coaching and has given me a great insight into coaching.
You played your youth hockey with Bracknell and Guildford, and have also played for Oxford & Streatham. Having moved around so many different teams are you looking for more stability now?
My dad has always said to me never plan your life around hockey and he’s right in many respects. Hockey is a small world and you don’t really know what opportunities may arise on your horizon. All you have to do is work hard and better yourself and the team day in day out. On the stability front – It would be nice! I feel really happy to be a part of the Racers organisation and am enjoying my time thoroughly with team.
For those who haven’t seen you play, how would you describe your playing style?
I’m a thinker. My brain is the best part of my game I feel and I try to use it as much to my advantage whilst I’m on the ice. I play team first and do what it takes to stop goals. I’ve nicked a phrase Stewart Tait used to say, ‘even or up’, and take this is into how I play my game. I know there’s much to be developed around my game which is why I’m working hard on my weaknesses and bettering myself towards my goal.
How did you first get into the sport? Are there any particular players or teams that you grew up watching?
I think 80% of the people born in the 90s would answer this question with – ‘Mighty Ducks’. I am no different. It was a movie I watched at three years old and ever since then I never looked back. I owe a lot to that movie. Who knows what I’d be doing. Since watching the movie I pursued ice skating lessons and once I turned seven I trialled for the hockey team playing alongside Christian Cole, Callum Best and Andy Melachrino in my first year. Otherwise I would watch Guildford every other weekend when I was younger too but football dominated the household television wise.
You’ve played alongside so many players, if you could pick any one to line up alongside who would it be and why?
Last season I played alongside Andy Smith who for me is an amazing hockey player. He has all the skills and comes to the table every night. The other person I would like to play with in a line is Milos Melichrik. If it wasn’t for Milos I would probably have quit hockey. He has given me many life skills that I could never forget. However, a couple years back whilst at Guildford we lost a team mate, Alfie Skelton, to a freak accident. He was a big soul and had a bright future in hockey as well as outside of hockey. I’d love to line-up with him again and in respect to Alfie I write A.S 10 on all my sticks.
Anything else you’d like to add Sam?
Many thanks for your time Matt in providing the interview and to anyone reading this. I hope everyone enjoys their hockey whether playing or spectating.
Many thanks to Sam for answering our questions. You can keep up with the Racers throughout the season at @racers_london and you can say hi to Sam at @samcheema21
If you’ve got any feedback, you can tweet me @MattMerritt. I’d love to hear from anyone who takes the time to read the blog.
If you’re a hockey player/coach/team manager in a competitive league, I’d love to ask you some questions too, please get in touch either here or via twitter