Jimmy Craig’s season at St. Joseph’s Prep has gotten off to a solid start. The senior forward has recorded a goal and two assists in the Hawks’ first two starts, both Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference wins over Malvern Prep.
Craig says he and his teammates approached the start of the season with right mindset. “I think we came into both games very clear,” he said, “and I think that’s what helped us get a jump on the season.”
Craig, is also one of his team’s captains. The Hawks’ roster features an abundance of underclassmen and he recognizes the importance of the veterans showing way for their younger teammates.
“I think it’s very important that we show the younger guys what it’s all about,” he said, “especially early in the season.
“We visited the Flyers Cup championship last year (where the Hawks lost to LaSalle) and I think that that rubs off. We know what it takes to make it to the championship this year and I think pushing the younger guys, skating with them, just being a good teammate, that’s what it’s all about.”
Craig stresses the importance of being a good teammate and embracing the team concept. “I think it takes someone to recognize that not one player can do it all himself,” he said, “and that playing as a team is how you win games and recognizing there is no ‘I’ in team and just trying to being everybody together in one cohesive unit.”
Craig, a Haverford Township native, got a late start in hockey. His father played the game at St. John Neumann High but he himself was in the third or fourth grade before he strapped on skates for the first time at the Skatium.
“I knew some kids that played ice hockey,” he said, “and I was always in the street games, but I finally decided to start playing hockey.”
Craig played other sports as well, notably football and baseball, but once he reached high school he set them aside. “Once I got to high school, hockey just kind of took over,” he said. “Maybe it’s the speed, it’s something about the game, I just love playing.”
When it came time to choose a high school, Craig was drawn to St. Joseph’s Prep after making a visit. “I visited there and it felt like home,” he said. “I like the motto ‘Men for and with others.’ I think that really took hold.
“I think the biggest adjustment was the workload, but as far as the structure of the school, I grew up wearing a uniform every day. I knew a lot of kids growing in from playing different sports so I didn’t really have a hard time making friends, but I think the workload and having to study more. That was the hardest adjustment to make.”
Like many incoming high-school students, Craig had to learn the concept of time management. “I think tine management was a big adjustment,” he said. “I think that goes along with the workload and having to manage your time with sports and work and having due deadlines and having to turn work in.”
On addition to playing for the Hawks, Craig skates for Team Philadelphia. There are numerous demands on his time and energy but he understands the importance of setting priorities.
“School comes first so if there’s ever a time where it’s a hockey practice or school project, then you’ve got to stay home and do the project.”
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