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Miami Made: Hernandez Rises from South Florida to NTDP

By Becky Olsen, 02/09/16, 8:00AM EST

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Hernandez was Introduced to Ice Skating at a Birthday Party


Photo by Rena Laverty

Ice hockey usually isn’t the first sport kids in Miami are drawn to, but that was the case for Randy Hernandez.

He first skated at a birthday party when he was 6. Skating lessons followed, and soon after he took up hockey. Today he is a forward for the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

‘“I loved the speed and teamwork of hockey,” he said. “I loved watching everyone battle; it’s a big part of the game, the physicality aspect.”

As Hernandez grew in the sport, his grandfather Fernando Gonzalez was his biggest supporter.

“My grandpa was the one who got me started,” Hernandez said. “He helped me out with the money so I could play, and I’m very grateful for that. My parents couldn’t really help me out, but they still supported me. My grandpa has been a big part of my hockey career.”

Hernandez, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, spent the 2014-15 season playing for the Florida Alliance Midget Minor program. He tallied 53 goals and recorded 93 points in 54 games, and his play earned him a spot at the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program tryout camp in March 2015.

“It was a great experience, just to put on those jerseys and practice with such good competition,” he said. “The speed was amazing — nothing like it was in Florida. I was just trying to work my butt off. I was just happy to get here.”

USA Hockey officials called and offered Hernandez a spot on the NTDP right after the camp.

“I started to cry,” he said. “I’m not going to lie.”

Changes were in store for the 5-foot-11, 165-pound forward. Packing up and moving halfway across the country, Hernandez began classes this past fall at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and moved in with a billet family.

“It’s been a little different, moving away from home,” he said. “I’ve been a little emotional. I’m staying with a great billet family. The weather is different, too. I’m definitely adjusting.”

And, oh yeah, the hockey’s changed too.

Hernandez and his teammates practice and train with an elite staff at USA Hockey Arena. And now midway through his first season playing in a new system and against older player in the United States Hockey League, Hernandez said he’s starting to feel his improvement on the ice.

“It’s really tough,” he said. “You are playing against 20-year-olds, especially in the USHL. It’s a whole different game; you really have to be aware on the ice. Playing against older players and at a high level, we are only going to get better.”

Hernandez has eight goals and 15 points in 38 games. He credits the coaching staff for helping his game grow since arriving at the NTDP.

“I’m listening to the coaches and paying attention to everything,” he said. “I’m making smarter plays, having more control with the puck and I’m more calm. Off the ice, I’m watching video, too. Plus, I talk to my brother [Robert], and he keeps me in a positive mind set.”

Wearing the USA sweater is motivation in itself, too.

“It’s amazing,” Hernandez said. “To wear the red, white and blue and be in the best program and listening to the best coaches, I just can’t explain it.”

He’ll get a chance to compete internationally in those colors this week.

Hernandez and his teammates play host to the 2016 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament at USA Hockey Arena, where they’ll look to improve upon their third-place finish at the U17 Five Nations Tournament in December 2015.

“It’s special to play at our home rink, especially since we have our fans supporting us,” he said. “We have been playing a lot better. We need to track the puck more and be stronger on our sticks. We need to look for each other and get more shots. Hopefully, we can get the W.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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Photo by Rena Laverty

Randy's Favorites

Favorite NHL Team
Detroit Red Wings

Favorite Sport (Outside of Hockey)
Basketball

Favorite Movie
Unbroken

Favorite TV Show
Arrow

Favorite Actor
Will Smith

Favorite Actress
Cameron Diaz

Favorite Music
Linkin Park

Favorite Home-Cooked Meal
Spaghetti w/Fried Eggs & Cafe Con Leche