The 2024-25 Rams Reflect is the 10th in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk University.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
CJ Hapward Men's Ice Hockey | Hometown: West Caldwell, N.J. | Major: MBA
When I first joined the Suffolk Rams for practice on December 27, 2023, halfway through the hockey season, I didn’t realize just yet how much this hockey program would impact my life. What began as an opportunity to extend my hockey career due to the extra 1.5 years of eligibility I had from Covid quickly became so much more. Suffolk not only reinvigorated my college hockey career, but produced unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and countless examples of growth, grit and overcoming adversity, which I am honored to have experienced with my teammates. I am so incredibly thankful for everything this program gave me, and I am proud to be a Ram.
Coming to the rink every day and lacing up my skates with my best friends at practice was truly a privilege and created some of my most cherished Suffolk memories. During practice I had the opportunity to frequently chat with Athletic Trainer Sam O’Brien when I wasn’t taking reps in net. Although he often complained about the Patriots (despite having witnessed six Super Bowl victories), he truly is an incredible athletic trainer and always helped me return to the ice feeling my best.
I also had the pleasure of chatting with Assistant Coach Steve Sheridan who would fill me in on the intricacies of what issues our team Hudl page was having that week. However, Stevie always fixed these issues and made sure our team had every advantage possible when it came to video and game film. This gave us a tremendous edge over other college hockey teams who may not prioritize video like we do.
As for our other Assistant Coach Nick Roberto, I actually didn’t get to talk to him much during practice because he was too busy joining in on the drills and scoring on me. Despite this, I am thankful for “Rrrrrrobbbieee” and for all the laughs and positive energy he provided when we needed it.
The next two coaches have had maybe the greatest impact on my hockey career to date. Thank you to Head Coach Shawn McEachern, who gave me an opportunity to prove that I could not only be a collegiate starting goaltender, but an impactful one. Shawn wants to win more than anyone on our team, and that is evident through the countless hours he spends on film, practice plans, logistics, recruiting, and so much more – all with the purpose of bettering the Suffolk men’s hockey program. I will certainly miss hearing his passion every day at practice, whether it was for our team’s success or his Tesla.
And thank you to Cam Walsh, who took over his father Ed Walsh’s position as our full-time goalie coach. Cam has helped me and all of the Suffolk goalies in so many ways, but one thing that always stuck out to me was our video calls reviewing game film. Often spanning over an hour, we discussed everything on these weekly calls whether it was about hockey or anything else. All of those conversations, even the non-hockey ones, helped me grow as a person and a hockey player. Cam is someone that I know I will continue to be in touch with for many years to come, whether that is coaching me at the next level, coaching youth goalies together, or simply talking about nonsense as we often did on our video calls.
Lastly, thank you so much to my teammates. Right from the jump you guys welcomed me in as one of your own. When I think about my time at Suffolk, I think about team dinners, chopping it up in the room before practice, van rides to the rink, playing mini golf on our Tampa trip, and so much more. Thank you guys - I wouldn’t have wanted to go to battle on the ice, and run around Boston with any other group.
And most importantly, outside of Suffolk, I owe everything to the unwavering support of my parents. From driving me to practices as a kid to cheering on the Rams at nearly every game, they have been the true backbone of my athletic journey. They encouraged me to pursue my extra years at Suffolk, and reminded me to cherish every moment. If not for their endless love, sacrifices and support this would not have been possible. I know there is no way I can ever repay them, but I really hope they at least got some good hotel rewards points between all the travels in attending hockey games, my brother Connor’s Manhattan College lacrosse games, and my sister Kelly’s Ramapo College events over these years.
So, thank you Suffolk Athletics. You have given me more than I ever could have asked for. And I hope that during my short time with you I was able to make a positive impact on the program that provided me with so much. Thank you for the memories, the trials and tribulations, and thank you for giving me some of my best friends. Playing for Suffolk has truly been the pinnacle of my hockey career thus far, and I am forever proud and grateful to call myself a Ram.
CJ Hapward, #34