From music classes to sports practice, from art classes to theatre, we often have the opportunity to try many activities in our youth. But few of us are able to stick to one the entirety of our childhood. We grow out of interests, preferring to move on, yet what happens when we allow ourselves to grow with our passions and keep making room for them in our lives?

Meet Tifa Lau, a hockey player who recently wrapped up her thirteenth season with the Richmond Ravens, completing her third year in the U18 league and fourth year on the rep team. (The rep team plays in a high-level, competitive hockey league.)

Tifa began skating at age four and has laced up her hockey skates for many more practices and games since then. Her story is one of extraordinary dedication and passion for a sport and a way of life.

I sat down with Tifa Lau to discuss what her time spent on the ice means to her. “I feel like I'm part of a community,” she begins. “I’m on a team, and we’re all really close.”

Her connection with hockey began years ago when her parents first signed her up for skating lessons at age four. “My dad said that I used to watch hockey on TV and always said I wanted to play.”

“But the skating lessons did not do much for me, so they just threw me into a hockey league, and then I never stopped.”

Had she had any idea then of how long she would continue?

“I don't know,” she admits. “I don't think at any point of my hockey career I really could imagine my life without hockey. It's always just been a part of my life, so I haven't really thought about stopping.”

“I feel like having something in your life to be committed to outside of school pushes me to keep working on myself and connect with my community,” she continues. “And during a game, there's so much excitement. You can't imagine doing anything else at that point, at that moment.”

The hockey season typically starts in September and ends in March. The schedule and commitment throughout the year depend on the team and level.

“When you're younger, it doesn't matter as much,” Tifa explains. “Everybody's just trying to have fun. But then as you get older, it's more about winning. You want to win and improve, so you have to put in more hours. Coaches push for as much ice time as possible, which means 6 a.m. practices if you have to.”

“I used to have 6 a.m. practices. Those were not fun, but if Coach asks us to do that, then we don't really have a choice. Those were not enjoyable, but you show up anyway.”

For the rep teams, all this commitment leads up to a chance to qualify and play at Provincials at the end of the season, a high-level tournament with the best teams in the province. The goal for Tifa’s U18 team was always to go to provincials. “Our first year we didn't, but the last two years, we have.”

It is often also the highlight of the season. When asked about her most memorable experiences, Tifa answers without hesitation: “Provincials. I remember my second year was a really fun run. We came third, which is not what we were aiming for, but after we got over that semi's loss, it was actually a really fun game because it was the third years' last game. And we're just trying to get everybody—all the third years—a goal so they can leave with a memory. And then I remember after a lot of people were crying because it was their last game. That was really sweet.”

The little moments on the ice stay with her too, and they build up her story piece by piece. “I don't remember what level it was, but I had a tournament in Cowichan Valley. It wasn't particularly important, but that was the first time I ever won gold for anything. I did end up crying on the ice. It feels really good when your commitment pays off.”

And it is this incredible commitment that has shaped her life. The time commitment to frequent practices, games, and out-of-province tournaments is one thing, but there is something more. A personal commitment. “It's more about what you can do for the team and how you can improve yourself,” Tifa reflects.

Her personal awareness of herself and others does not end there. Tifa has learned other lessons from hockey that she brings into her life.“It’s a lot about community. You should focus on the people around you as much as yourself. The better everyone is, if we all improve together, we become more efficient, and the team will be better, which is something that can translate into other things, like your class. If everybody's learning and growing together, obviously you'll have a stronger class than if one person excels.”

Tifa graduates from JN Burnett Secondary this year and heads to Capilano University for film in September. Her love for hockey is not forgotten. “There is a U21 level—I’ll try to make it work. If not, I might join just a local team. I don't really want to quit.”

As our interview comes to an end, Tifa has a powerful message for the youth of Richmond: “Even if it's not hockey, just keep exploring your passions and interests. It's really important to follow something that you love. It'll keep you growing.”

A wonderful sentiment that we can all bring into our lives. When we dedicate ourselves to something like hockey, we learn the skills that come with the sport, like skating and stick handling, but it’s the dedication to the sport that teaches us skills that are important in life, like resilience, teamwork, and responsibility.

Learn more about Richmond Ravens Hockey at richmondravenshockey.ca