Athlete of the Week – Jack Doda

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Pirate boy’s hockey player and captain Jack Doda. “Jack has been a Pirate hockey player for a long time. He’s played varsity hockey since 8th grade, and over that time, I’ve seen him grow tremendously, not only as a hockey player but as a young man and a leader,” said Pirates coach Josh Hardy. “As a player, I’ve seen him consistently reinvent himself over the years. From a little 8th grader playing with the big boys and just not wanting to make a mistake, to a complementary player to his brother and his classmates, to now being ‘the guy’ that the team relies on in big moments, and he’s done it all with a smile on his face.”

The senior has gotten off to another excellent start this season. Through the first five games, Doda has recorded three hat tricks and added two assists for a team-leading 11 points. Over this past weekend, Doda helped the Pirates win their first game of the season as he tallied three goals in an 8-0 win over St. Paul Johnson that helped Crookston reclaim the Lions Cup.

The Pirates have looked much better overall at this point in the season compared to last year, and Doda believes It all has to do with confidence. “I would say having kids forced to step up last year has helped us this year,” said Doda. “We have a lot of guys that are playing with confidence. I think we can win some games coming up here and turn this into a great season.”

As great of a hockey player as Doda is, and an all-around athlete, coach Hardy is certain he will be remembered for much more. Jack is the type of young man you want your sons to grow up to be. He’s kind, caring, courteous, and respectful,” said coach Hardy. He represents Crookston so well in everything that he does, whether that’s playing for the Football, Hockey, and Baseball teams or reffing youth hockey games. Jack will finish this year as one of the highest-scoring Pirates in history, and it actually should have been much higher, but with the loss of games due to Covid, he was robbed of some stats, but I promise you that while everyone will remember Jack for being a good player, more will remember him for being a fantastic young man.”

About Jack –
First started playing hockey –
3-4 years old

What is the best part of your game – Scoring/Shooting

What part of your game would you like to see improvement on – Physical play

Do you have a pregame ritual Listen to music and hang out with the boys

Most memorable moment playing hockey – Going to State when I was in Pee Wees

Favorite rink away from Crookston – Park Rapids

Favorite sport – Hockey

Favorite sports team – Minnesota Wild

Favorite AthleteKirill Kaprizov

Favorite Movie – Step Brothers

Favorite TV show – Trailer Park Boys

Favorite food – Steak

What music are you listening to – Country

Something people don’t know about you – I catch more fish than Hunter Knutson, Jaren Bailey, and George Widman.

You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – Ricky, Bubbles, and Julian from Trailer Park Boys.

Plans after graduation – Haven’t made a decision on anything yet, if the opportunity presented itself, I would maybe play hockey somewhere.

Family – 
Dad – Jason (Crookston Building Center)
Mom –
Kelly (Alluma)
Brothers – 
Joey (Senior at UND)
Jacob – (Sixth-grader)