Skating His Own Path: How Joe Carangelo Found Belonging Through Club Hockey
Jake Donovan
Once a high school team manager, Saint Anselm junior Joe Carangelo found his place and purpose on the men’s club hockey team. Where persistence, leadership, and love for the game transformed his college experience. The final buzzer goes off and “Hey Baby” echoes throughout Sullivan Ice Arena as Joe Carangelo skates off the ice, with a grin on his face and the sounds of Joe’s friends banging on the glass. It wasn’t the score on the board that made this moment meaningful, it was the line of his teammates waiting for fist bumps, the “Win” playlist bumping throughout the locker room and the feeling of belonging. For Joe, it wasn’t just another win for the men’s club hockey team, it was a reminder of how far he has come.
“I wasn’t expected to be here,” says Joe, looking back on his journey with Saint Anselm’s men’s club hockey team. A junior communication major, Joe didn’t grow up a star athlete. In fact, he didn’t make his high school’s varsity team. Joe attended St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts, known for its academic excellence and very strong athletic program. “I played sub varsity for three years, and then when it came to my senior year, I didn’t make varsity, so they put me as a manager.” His desire to play never faded. Despite the setbacks and the sting of not playing for his high school team, he stuck with the sport he loves. “I always kind of loved the game of hockey,” Joe recounts. “Growing up, [I] played through high school, [but] never made a team. So, you know, it kind of gave me some motivation to try one more year. Hopefully, this would go my way. And luckily, it went my way.” That decision to give it one more shot became a turning point in Joe’s journey. Walking into tryouts for the men’s club hockey team at Saint Anselm was nerve wracking. He hadn’t played organized hockey in a while, and there were no guarantees. But Joe showed up with the same quiet determination that had kept him connected to the sport for years. He wasn’t trying to be the best player on the ice; he just wanted a chance to be part of a team again. Making the team was more than just earning a spot on the roster. It was validation that his love for the game and his willingness to keep pushing forward had paid off. In a way, it felt like reclaiming a part of himself that had been put on hold. It also opened the door to something more than just hockey, it gave him a community, a support system, and a renewed sense of confidence. “It was definitely a big boost in motivation, and definitely helped my self-esteem. I mean, when a lot of kids at home found out, you know, they were pretty shocked, it was a big wave of motivation, a little pick me up to feel good. And, you know, it’s been a blast, just being a part of a team and more importantly, a family. It just means a lot to me as someone who you know cares and values the sport,” he says.
Joe quickly became known as the kind of teammate who makes a difference beyond the scoreboard. He might not be the guy who will rack up points or have the flashiest plays, but he’s the one who keeps spirits high after a tough loss and makes sure everyone is included. Whether it’s getting the boys hyped before a game or cracking a joke at practice, Joe brings energy and unity to the locker room. That chemistry has been a key part of the team’s identity, and Joe has helped shape it. His impact was especially clear during his first game against Bridgewater State. In the days leading up to the matchup, a post about Joe playing in his first hockey game made its way onto Yik Yak, catching the attention of students across campus. It wasn’t long before word spread, and when game day arrived, the stands were packed with classmates, friends, and even students who didn’t know Joe personally but wanted to cheer him on. The energy in the rink was electric, and Saint Anselm delivered with a dominant 8-3 win. Joe didn’t score that night, but the game meant more to him than any goal ever could. Just being on the ice, in front of that crowd, as part of something bigger, was the kind of full-circle moment that made every setback before it worth it. It was the first time he truly felt what it meant to represent not just a team, but a community.
Balancing academics and athletics hasn’t always been easy, but Joe says it’s taught him time management and discipline. As a communication major, he takes pride in staying on top of his academics and building connections outside of the rink. He understands that being a student athlete or playing on a club team requires discipline, time management, and a strong sense of purpose. Hockey is important, but it doesn’t define him completely. With the men’s club hockey team practicing Tuesday and Thursday nights and with games filling up the weekend, Joe has been able to balance his school work by getting his work done before practice, or on off days. Joe says the balance is perfect, and he’s been able to adjust ever since his freshman year: “It gives you [the] perfect time to buckle down, study a little bit, maybe catch up on your work. It’s not like we’re practicing seven days a week on a schedule. We’re not really structured, like a varsity team would be, but I think it’s important to have school first.” As Joe looks ahead to his senior year, he’s excited for what’s to come, not just in terms of hockey, but in the overall experience. With a solid group of seniors returning, there’s a strong sense of leadership that he knows will make the season both productive and fun. The goal isn’t just to win games; it’s to build something that the underclassmen can carry forward. Joe sees this final year as an opportunity to help shape the next generation of players, to lead by example, and to make sure everyone feels the same sense of belonging that he once searched for. When it comes to personal goals, he’s not focused on stats or recognition. He doesn’t believe in setting expectations for himself because he feels it can add unnecessary pressure and take the joy out of the game. For him, the best hockey comes when he’s present, focused on the moment, and playing for the right reasons. His mindset is about trusting the work he’s put in, staying consistent, and enjoying every second of his last season with the team.
Joe’s journey isn’t just about making a club hockey team; it represents a larger, often overlooked narrative in sports culture: the quiet resilience of the athlete who doesn’t peak in high school, who isn’t recruited or spotlighted, but who still shows up, works hard, and finds their place. In a sport that often glorifies top prospects, highlight reels, and early success, Joe stands for the countless student-athletes who carve out their own paths through passion and persistence. His story challenges the traditional definition of athletic achievement and reminds us that growth, belonging, and personal victory matter just as much as trophies. Especially in today’s conversations around mental health, inclusion in sports, and the value of community, Joe’s experience highlights how club teams and non-varsity sports offer important spaces for connection, identity, and purpose.