Article by Peter Ryan
There is something unique about the netminding position, the backbone of any ice hockey team; they can swing momentum back and forth in a contest. The Cardiff Fire have tremendous depth and talent at the position. One of them is Morgan Parsons, a player who has built a wealth of experience and has a fitting story to tell.
Starting out
Ice hockey has been a massive part of my life since I was five years old. Itโs more than just a sport; itโs something Iโve grown up with and a huge part of who I am. Itโs given me so many opportunities, friendships and memories that Iโll always treasure. Being a netminder is a position I fell in love with from my very first training session, and Iโve never looked back. Hockey has taught me resilience, commitment and the importance of being part of a team.
It is always hard to explain the hold one's chosen sport has over an athlete. For Parsons, the game revolves around friendships and memories that wouldn't have happened if he weren't an ice hockey player. He would go on to pave his own path in the sport, but every story starts somewhere.
I started playing for the Cardiff Junior Devils when I was five years old. For my birthday, I got a full set of player kit, and after just one training session, I decided I wanted to be a netminder! From that moment, I knew that was the position for me. Itโs funny to think that one birthday present and one training session started a journey that has become such a huge part of my life.
Parsons has played for some incredible teams, including the Basingstoke Buffalo, Oxford Stars and Bristol Pitbulls. He talked about how each club has helped him along his journey.
Experiences and lessons
I played for Basingstoke Buffalo from Under-15s, which was a great move for my development as a netminder. It allowed me to grow as a player, gain experience and challenge myself.
Unfortunately, when Basingstoke Buffalo had to close, I moved to Oxford City Stars, where I played for one season. Last season, I joined Bristol Pitbulls, and this season Iโm on a two-way deal with Cardiff Fire and Bristol Pitbulls.
Every club has played a part in my journey and helped me develop in different ways. Iโve had to adapt to new teams and environments, but each experience has helped shape me into the netminder I am today. Iโm grateful for the opportunities Iโve had and excited to keep progressing.
Not only has Parsons shone in the UK, but he has also competed on an international stage. He had many opportunities playing in the PEEWEE tournament in Quebec in 2017. He also travelled to New York with the GB Lions and played in Ontario for the Slovakian team KBStars, which also gave him invaluable experience. Through those experiences, you build a lot of knowledge about the game. The netminder talks about the lessons he has learnt along the way.
Parsons taps into that wealth of knowledge whenever he skates onto the ice; whenever he represents the Cardiff Fire, you can tell it means a lot to him, as it is a full-circle moment.
Fire and future
Cardiff Fire means a lot to me because Cardiff is where my hockey journey began at just five years old with the Cardiff Junior Devils. Now playing for Cardiff Fire feels special, as it brings my journey back to where it all started.
Being on a two-way deal with Cardiff Fire and Bristol Pitbulls allows me to keep developing, gain experience and contribute to both teams. Iโm proud to represent both clubs and want to give everything I can whenever I step onto the ice.
No matter where he is in the world, no matter who he is playing for, one thing is for sure: Parsons is ready to leave it all out on the ice. It is exciting to see what the future holds for him, as you can tell his love and passion for the game runs deep.
My ambition is to keep improving as a netminder, gain as much experience as possible and become the best player I can be. I want to make the most of my opportunity with Cardiff Fire and Bristol Pitbulls, help both teams achieve their goals and continue pushing myself to the next level. Most importantly, I want to keep enjoying the sport that has been part of my life since I was five and see how far I can take my hockey journey. I also want to be a big role model to younger kids that want to get into the greatest sport and show how amazing this sport is.
What is special about Parsons is the fact that if you strip away the accomplishments and experiences, he is just a player who loves ice hockey, and his drive for the game comes from love, and that is the most important thing when it comes to sport.
