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Skating with Grandpa Helped Propel Gildon’s Love of Hockey

By Becky Olsen, 10/17/17, 2:45PM EDT

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Brother’s experience with NTDP helped guide career


Photo by Rena Laverty

It started as a way to spend some time together, hanging out at the hockey rink in Plano, Texas. Little did Michael Gildon’s grandfather know that ice skating would lead to hockey, which would turn into something big for his grandson.

“I started playing hockey when I was three years old,” Gildon said. “My grandpa [Larry Smith] got my brother and me into it. He took us to the rink every day. He started skating with us and we just picked up the game and started playing it from there on.

“He would pick us up from school or day care, and it was a way for him to spend time with us. It was fun for him. He watched hockey but he never played it. It was a little hobby that turned into this.”

That little hobby played a huge role in Gildon’s hockey development, something he was quick to give his grandpa credit for.

“I really don’t think he imagined us getting this far,” said Gildon. “He has been the driving force for us in playing hockey. He bought us all our equipment and took us to practices. He is a huge reason why I am in hockey today.”

Gildon’s older brother Max also played a huge part in Gildon’s hockey development. Max played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program from 2015-17, and currently plays for the University of New Hampshire.

“He was my role model,” Michael said of his brother, who he was able to watch with the NTDP. “When he got here, I just took so much advice and tried to learn from him, both on and off the ice. He has helped me a lot. I know what to expect, what is going to happen and how to deal with it as he has already gone through it which is a big help for me.”

Max also was able to give his younger brother some insider knowledge of the program.

“Every day, you have to bring your best and work hard,” said Michael on his brother’s advice. “Even if you are sick, you still have to do it. It is going to be hard but you can’t give up. You have to do the little things and it will make you a better person and a better hockey player.”

Michaels's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Pittsburgh Penguins

Favorite NHL Player
Sidney Crosby

Favorite Movie
Miracle

Favorite Celebrity
Will Farrell 

Favorite Musical Artist
Zac Brown Band

Favorite Netflix Binge
Criminal Minds

Favorite Book
Of Mice and Men

Favorite Home-Cooked Meal
Meatloaf 

Of course, the brothers do play two different positions. Max was a defenseman while Michael plays forward. There is a simple explanation for that one.

“Max played forward until he was 12 or 13 then he went to defense,” said Michael, who is 6-feet and 184 pounds. “I played forward and liked it way more than defense. I liked it more because scoring is way more fun than playing defense and blocking shots. It is something I am good at and I like to do.”

One thing never changed for him. The day he received the phone call that he had made the NTDP. It was one of the best moments of his life.


Photo by Rena Laverty

“It was unreal. I was on top of the world and couldn’t be happier. It was a great feeling that only a handful of kids get to experience. I’m thankful for every moment,” he said.

It became even more surreal the first time he walked into the locker room and saw the jerseys hanging up on Sept. 15, prior to the Under-17 team’s game against the Minnesota Wilderness.

“There were just so many emotions — excited and nervous,” said Gildon. “It was just unreal to realize that you get to wear that USA crest on your chest and represent your country every day. It was an awesome moment and one I will never forget for sure.”

Gildon knows how important it is to take valuable lessons from the U17 coaching staff with him to each practice and game. He earned USHL Forward of the Week honors after registering a hat trick and four points in the U17s 10-5 win over Chicago on Oct. 7.

“Attention to detail is the biggest thing in hockey,” he explained. “They tell you what to do then you have to go do it, and if you mess up a play then you could get scored on. If you do what they tell you do to, you will end up scoring or getting an assist, or doing something good.

“It’s different from where I am from [in terms of hockey]. Last year, it wasn’t as difficult as this year has been already. It’s going to be hard and only get harder from here. It is teaching me that you have to work harder each day to get better. It is fun at the same time but it will be such a grind at times.”

Gildon has seen firsthand what it takes to play professional hockey. After all, growing up with the Dallas Stars had an influence on his life too.

“They set up rinks and I went to Stars games growing up,” he stated. “We had season tickets one year and I would go with my mom or my parents to the games. It was lot of fun growing up and watching them play.

“I have played on some teams with the players kids. I work out at the Stars’ training facility over the summer. I’m working out and then I see Jamie Benn walk into the room. It’s like, ‘Wow. I’m skating with him and he is doing things that I can’t even imagine myself doing.’ That is how much you have to work to get that much better to play at this level.”

Once he makes it to that next level, Gildon can thank his grandpa for his assistance in getting him there.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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