Charlie Munroe

Since the age of two, Charlie Munroe has been on the ice. As a self-described lockdown defenseman, he played AAA hockey with his Blues team and Kirkwood hockey. Charlie said his dream has always been to play Division I hockey, so he is going to play junior hockey in Canada as a stepping stone to college. His sister, Izzy Munroe, junior, said he’s always dedicated to everything he does.

“It’s pretty cool that he’s going to [Canada],” Izzy said. “It’s exciting. It will be weird not having him here, [but] I think he’s going to have fun there.”

Charlie will be playing in Weyburn, Saskatchewan from August to March for the Weyburn Red Wings. While playing in a tournament in Calgary, a scout got in touch and Charlie decided to sign for them. This new opportunity also means the end of his time in youth hockey. 

“[This is my] last year with my Blues and high school teams,” Charlie said. “It’s tough to wrap your head around [the fact] youth hockey is ending.”

Charlie said he chose hockey because of his dad who played and coached hockey at Kirkwood. He said every time he steps out on to the ice he always feels excited. 

“It’s always fun to play,” Charlie said. “I’m happy to be out there and to be playing with friends. It really depends on what’s going on, but it’s pretty much just positive feelings being out there.”

Julie Munroe, Charlie’s mom, said that having spoken to parents of other children who want to play hockey at the next level, going to Canada is the natural progression. She said when she watches him play she feels a lot of pride.

“I know he’s had to put in a lot [of effort],” Julie said. “I know all the sacrifices he’s made to get to where he is. In middle school, [he would miss] a lot of sleepovers or parties because he [had] an early morning practice or because he was out of town for hockey. He spends a lot of time with a skating coach or strengthening [coach. I’m] proud of him [because] he’s had this goal, he’s committed to it and doing what he needs to do to reach it.”