Doing the rounds this Summer at AAA hockey tournaments, I would often ask coaches and parents of Squirt-aged kids “who are some of the better Squirt players?” To which almost everyone responded, “Joe Palodichuk is a great player, have you seen him play?” To which I would say, Palod-a-who?

So I did some digging and here is what I found out.

Joe Palodichuk will be a second year Squirt (third if you are keeping score at home) for Park Cottage Grove.  For an ’03 birth year kid, he stands out because of his size…but more important, he stands out because of his balance and skill. At the younger levels if you have size and just a little skill you will have success.  After spending two years as an undersized player, Joe has learned to adapt his game to use his skill because his size has not been to his advantage.  This year, he will bring the total package to the rink.

After studying his game this Summer, I noticed a trait that stands out more than just individual skill.  Joe makes those around him better.  He’s a great passer, but he’s not exactly a pass first kid either.  He’s a “what’s is it going to take to win” kind of kid.  A kid who plays more like an adult rather than a 10 year old boy. If the Park Cottage Grove Squirts are in the rink, make sure you stop in and check this kid out.

In addition to being a great hockey player, Joe was the pitcher on his baseball team that won the 2013 MSF State Baseball Tournament last Summer.  His grandfather Al played for the South St. Paul Packers in the state hockey tournament in 1962 and 1965, his other grandfather played collegiate baseball and his mom was an All-American gymnast in college.