Photo courtesy of Amy Ling
David Ling
David Ling is a 17-year-old who is a 12th grader at Durant High School, where he is a winger for the hockey team.
What got you started playing hockey, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
I got into hockey by going to Lightning games with my dad. I fell in love with hockey because of the competitive spirit the game brings and that you get to work as a team for one common goal.
How would you describe your team’s personality and identity this season?
We are a fast, physical forechecking team that capitalizes on the other team’s mistakes and aim to limit ours.
What has been the biggest challenge your team has faced so far, and how have you handled it?
Our biggest challenge is that we have many new guys that we have not played with before, so we have to work on our chemistry. We are handling it very well by working hard at practice.
What do you feel has been your biggest area of improvement this season?
I would have to say have more of a balance between having fun and being serious during games and practices.
Who has had the biggest impact on you as a hockey player, and what have you learned from them?
I would say Ryan Callahan and Yanni Gourde because they don’t let their size affect how they play, so at a young age I would try to play just like them.
What is something people might not realize about the work that goes into being a high school hockey player?
Even though this is Florida, the competition is very strong, and there are 18 teams from around Hillsborough County.
What are your goals for yourself and the team for the season?
Goals for myself are really just to not get hurt, and as a team, I would say to win states.
When you look back on your high school hockey career someday, what do you hope you’ll remember most?
I hope to remember all the fun games I had along the way, and that losses are a part of the road to success.
