Issy’s “Wunder-ful” World of Hockey!

Welcome to Issy Wunder’s “wunder-ful” world of hockey!

Meet 16-year-old Isabel Wunder, known to everyone as Issy @issy.wunder. A Tanenbaumchat student. Indulges in cookie dough ice cream and taco salads. Adores the movie “Up”, the Harry Potter series, and the book Twilight.

Issy also has a thing for hockey.

Before COVID struck our world, I would see Issy with an enormous hockey bag hoisted over her shoulder just outside my daughter’s bedroom window almost every night.

“There’s Issy. After hockey.”  I would announce. A bunch of questions flooded my head.

Geez, that girl plays a lot of hockey! How many hours a day does she train? How does she stay motivated?  What about her homework and when does she see her friends? 

About a month ago, I ran into Issy and her mother. We chatted about how we are all coping through COVID and other neighbourhood stuff. The conversation then turned to Issy and what the future held for her.

Wait until you read about about Issy and her “wunder-ful” world of hockey!

Editor’s note: All hockey jargon can be explained here.

How long have you been playing hockey?  

My hockey career began with skating lessons when I was in kindergarten. I began to play with a House League when I was in the 2nd grade. Several years later came Rep Hockey, (A and AA), with boys from grades 4 to 8. At the beginning of high school, I played two years of girls AA. Now I play Junior which is the highest level there is for girls.

How did you exercise or train before and during COVID? 

Before COVID, I was on the ice at least four times a week with my team. I also would go to the gym at my school during spares, and a couple of nights a week at a local gym near my house called @sxsfitness. 

These days, my training schedule is pretty similar. I have a trainer who gives me an exercise plan. My grandparents have a gym in their home that I go to 4 or 5 days a week for strength and weight training. I’m also at the running track 4 or 5 days a week for lots of different cardio, speed and agility sessions. 

Summer is the “offseason” for us, so it’s important I’m putting in lots of work on and off the ice in order to get faster and stronger for next season.

Since the beginning of June, I’ve been lucky enough to get on the ice once or twice a week, but since there’s no body contact allowed, it’s not as much fun as usual!

How do you keep up with school work?

I always get projects and homework done ASAP so that I’m not staying up late after hockey. The bigger issue is when I miss several days of school or even full weeks at a time if I’m at a tournament. To handle this, I communicate what I need with my teachers and my team sets aside lots of time for studying while we are on the road.

I definitely am big for time off and getting time to relax, and I’m fortunate to get a decent amount of it by being very efficient and not letting myself procrastinate.

What is your summer routine?

I’m currently taking Advanced Functions online. This class keeps me pretty busy for 4 hours a day plus homework and studying. As soon as the clock hits 4:00 PM, I rush out of my house to begin my training.

I am also playing sports outside with my brothers, and having “alone time” when I go for walks and listen to music.

Like the rest of the world, you must feel frustrated with our current situation. How do you release these emotions?

For me, hockey has always been my break from reality. It allows me to tune out all the stress from my mind. My hockey season ended right in the middle of the playoffs, so I was extremely frustrated and upset. I try and use my training as an outlet for any of those negative feelings. All the energy I put into my training is going to make the return to hockey that much better. I spend a lot of time visualizing what it’ll be like when we do start playing games. I try and think positive thoughts and be optimistic about next year.

How do you connect with your friends?

I definitely spend a lot of my day texting back and forth with friends on iMessage and Snapchat. It’s a great way to keep up to date about little things and have fun with each other. I was zooming and face timing people more at the beginning in quarantine. Now that things are slowly easing up and I’ve been seeing people outdoors more and enjoying backyard chats and walks. 

What is in store for you after you graduate high school?

When I was in grade 9, there were lots of college scouts at my games and tournaments. This led to an invitation to tour the schools that they represented. When I toured Princeton, the minute I stepped onto the campus, I knew this was the place for me. I stayed in touch with the coaches and was fortunate enough to be offered a spot on the team. I am verbally committed to Princeton. The technical term is “Committed to the Admissions Process” but I still need to apply and go through the process of being admitted.

Issy in her happy place.

“The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.” 

 Michelle Obama.

I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.