Player Spotlight: JP Hernandez
- brock609
- Jan 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Juan Pablo, better known as JP, is the youngest of three children. Although many sports interested him as a kid, it was hockey that won his heart. Now, as a Jr. Winterhawk, JP's goal is to play D1 hockey in college.
Juan Pablo, better known as JP, is the youngest of three kids, with two older sisters. He grew up in a family where sports, family, religion, and education were highly valued. JP was drawn to many sports from an early age, including tennis, soccer, and basketball, but hockey captivated him most.
His introduction to the ice came when he accompanied his mom to pick up his sister Nicole from figure skating practice. While waiting, he'd watch the hockey team in awe, begging his parents to let him join.
Ice hockey wasn't common in Mexico. As a 5-year-old, this meant that JP practiced with players of all ages. He was fortunate to have exceptional coaches, Richard and Fofo, who encouraged him to fearlessly embrace the ice. With their support, he confidently faced players of all levels, from children to teenagers.
In 2019, at the age of 9, he tried out for a spot on the Mexican Ice Hockey National Team and participated in an international tournament in Aspen, Colorado. This experience of traveling to another country with his team was incredibly rewarding and motivating, helping foster his personal growth.
In 2021, the family relocated from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Portland. Determined to continue his hockey journey, JP began attending stick and puck sessions at the Winterhawks Skating Center. There, he met Coach Vaillancourt, who guided him into the 12U Metro program. Driven to succeed, JP worked tirelessly to earn a place on the 14U travel team, which he achieved the following season.
Inspired by the discipline, perseverance, and determination he witnessed in his sisters and guided by excellent coaches, JP maintains a strong work ethic. He strives for continuous improvement as an athlete and as an individual. JP harbors the ambition of playing D1 hockey in college, dedicating himself fully to each practice and pushing his limits to become a better player, a better teammate, and a better version of himself.
