Pelayo Bolivar Biography

[SMYLS4 59]

Early Life

 

Bolivar was born in a small village in Asturias, Spain called Salas. His father, Leovigildo Bolivar Perez, was a farmer who raised pigs and goats. His mother, Maria Luz Garcia Fernandez, was a nurse at the local hospital. Growing up in a family of seven, Bolivar was always active as a kid. Being the youngest, he always had to prove himself, trying his hardest to be the best in whatever he did.  As a young boy he played football, as many young boys do in Spain. 

 

One summer he visited his uncle who lived in the United States, where he was first exposed to the sport of hockey. His uncle put on the Stanley Cup games every night when they ate dinner and Bolivar fell in love with the speed and grit of the game. That year the Cup Final was between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers. Bolivar loved watching players like Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter, who he tried to echo his own playstyle after. His uncle bought him his first pair of skates and stick, then taught him how to rollerblade and stick handle. He took his new knowledge back to Spain where he taught his siblings and friends how to play. Everyday after school he would go home and help his father with the daily chores on the farm, and when he was finished his tasks he would skate around on the driveway and practice shooting against the wall. 

 

Bolivar idolized professional players, watching international matches and studying their movements. He was inspired by the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the game, which motivated him to pursue hockey even more seriously. His parents were supportive of his ambitions, encouraging him to balance his academics with his sports training, ensuring he had a strong foundation both in and out of the rink. Bolivar showed remarkable discipline and enthusiasm, often spending hours practicing stick-handling, dribbling, and honing his skills. His early coaches quickly noticed his potential, praising his ability to grasp complex techniques and his eagerness to learn. Despite his young age, Bolivar displayed a maturity in his approach to the game, often dedicating extra time after practice to improve his speed and coordination.

 

When Bolivar got to high school, he started to play for the school’s roller hockey team. During his high school years, Pelayo Bolivar’s dedication to hockey reached new heights. Balancing academics with the growing demands of his athletic career, Bolivar remained focused on excelling both in the classroom and in the rink. Attending a local school known for encouraging athletic participation, he quickly became a standout not just in hockey, but also as a well-rounded student.

 

High school marked a pivotal time for Bolivar as he began competing at a higher level in regional and national tournaments. His talent and leadership qualities emerged strongly during this period, often being named captain of his school and club teams. His performance in these competitions garnered attention from elite hockey clubs and coaches, further fueling his ambition to pursue the sport professionally.

 

Despite the challenges of juggling schoolwork with a rigorous training schedule, Bolivar remained committed to his studies. His time management and work ethic became defining traits during this phase of his life, reflecting his determination to succeed both as a student and an athlete.

 

High school was also a period where Pelayo Bolivar began to develop close-knit friendships with teammates, many of whom would go on to play alongside him at higher levels of competition. These relationships and experiences in the rink solidified his sense of teamwork and sportsmanship, values that continue to shape his approach to the game.

 

It was in these formative years that Bolivar’s path to a professional career became clear. With increasing opportunities to compete in prestigious youth tournaments and train with top coaches, his high school years laid the foundation for his transition into Spain's elite hockey scene. His determination, focus, and growing list of achievements made him a rising star, poised to make an impact in the world of field hockey. He led the team in points every year, eventually becoming the school’s all time top point scorer by the time he graduated. 

 

Playing Career

 

After high school, Bolivar started playing for HC Liceo, a Spanish roller hockey team of the OK League based in A Coruña, Spain. He helped HC Liceo win the league championship that year. In his free time during the season he learned how to ice skate, in hopes of transitioning to ice hockey. After his performance that season he garnered interest from CH Jaca, a Spanish professional ice hockey team that plays in the country's professional league, the Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo. Bolivar was given a tryout with the team, where he showed off his skills and was immediately offered a roster spot. His first season with the club he won Rookie of the Year. The next two years he led the league in Points and helped his team make two spectacular runs winning back to back championships. 

 

His dedication and natural talent helped him progress through the ranks, eventually earning him a spot on Spain's national hockey team. As a key player for both club and country, Bolivar has played in various national and international competitions, where his contributions on the field have been pivotal. Known for his sharp offensive strategies and swift movement, Bolivar has earned a reputation as a versatile player who can perform under pressure. His teamwork and sportsmanship are also celebrated, making him a well-rounded athlete who is admired by peers and fans alike. Bolivar’s career continues to flourish, with his performances earning recognition both domestically and abroad. As a representative of the next generation of Spanish hockey talent, he is seen as a role model for young athletes and an ambassador for the sport in Spain.

 

After success in the LNHH, Bolivar looked to take his talents to a higher league. Looking at his options he decided to try and join the VHL, entering the VHLM draft. He has garnered some interest from teams and is hopeful to be drafted. Bolivar is expected to participate in the Junior Showcase and Victory ProAm, hopefully showing off his skills and helping his team win.

 

The combination of his family's support, his early exposure to competitive hockey, and his unwavering dedication were key to Pelayo Bolivar's development into one of Spain's promising talents in the sport.