Avery Acres Biography

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As of right now, Right Wing Avery Acres of the Mississauga Hounds has 11 goals, 11 assists, and 22 points in 24 games. One of the cooler stories of the VHLM is his upbringing and journey to hockey and the VHL.

 

Being a kid from Atlanta, Georgia, hockey wasn’t the most common sport in his area. Growing up in a region dominated by football, baseball, and basketball, it was almost expected that he would pursue one of those. His early years were spent playing football as a running back, baseball as a shortstop, and basketball as a shooting guard. But as much as he loved competing, none of these sports truly ignited the passion he would later find in hockey.

 

That all changed when he was 11 years old. One evening, flipping through channels at home, he stumbled upon a Game 7 matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He had never watched a full hockey game before, but something about the intensity, the crowd's energy, and the fast-paced action on the ice mesmerized him. He had always kind of liked Carolina but never watched them. Using ESPN+, he sat through the entire game, watching in awe as the Hurricanes secured a dramatic victory. The excitement of the game stuck with him, and in the following round, he made sure to watch all seven games as Carolina fought hard but ultimately fell short. Even though they lost, the young boy from Georgia was hooked. Hockey had found a new fan, and soon enough, it would find a new player.

 

At the time, Acres was only playing baseball, but the seed had been planted. He kept watching games, learning the rules, and becoming obsessed with the sport. However, hockey wasn’t exactly easy to get into where he lived. Ice rinks were scarce, and he had never even skated before. It wasn’t until two years later, when he was 13, that he decided to take the leap and give hockey a real shot. The transition wasn’t smooth—learning to skate proved to be a humbling experience. While other kids his age were already flying across the ice with ease, Acres was struggling to keep his balance, often falling hard on the ice. But he refused to give up. Every day after school, he dedicated himself to improving, spending countless hours at the rink working on his stride, balance, and agility.

Once he felt comfortable on skates, the rest of his game began to take off. He joined a recreational team and, despite being a latecomer to the sport, quickly became a standout player. His athletic background gave him an advantage, and his natural hand-eye coordination translated well to stickhandling and shooting. In his first season, he was already dominating, putting up an impressive five goals per game. It didn’t take long before he caught the attention of local coaches who encouraged him to take his game to the next level.

 

The following year, Acres made the jump to club hockey, a significant step up in competition. The travel demands were intense, especially considering he lived about 45 minutes outside of downtown Atlanta. His family had to make countless sacrifices, driving him to practices, games, and tournaments across the country. Despite the challenges, he thrived, showcasing his ability to score, create plays, and play a physical two-way game. His reputation grew, and soon enough, people around Georgia began to recognize him as one of the state’s top hockey prospects.

 

Defensively, he wasn’t just solid—he was elite. His plus-minus rating was through the roof, and his physicality made him a force to be reckoned with. He wasn’t just scoring goals; he was delivering hits, blocking shots, and doing everything necessary to help his team win. His all-around game drew the attention of scouts and college recruiters, and by the time he finished high school, he had several options to continue his hockey career.

 

When it came time to choose a college, Acres decided to attend Arizona State University, a rising program in the NCAA hockey world. While he wasn’t a superstar, he proved to be a reliable second-line winger, contributing consistently on offense while maintaining his strong defensive presence. Over the course of two seasons in Tempe, he tallied a combined 76 points, demonstrating his ability to produce at a high level. Despite not being a top prospect heading into the professional ranks, he knew he had what it took to succeed.

 

His big break came when he attended a VHL prospect camp. Determined to prove himself, he played some of the best hockey of his life. Coaches and scouts were impressed by his work ethic, hockey IQ, and versatility. He wasn’t just an offensive player—he was a complete forward who could be trusted in any situation. His performance at the camp earned him an opportunity with the San Diego Marlins, where he signed to finish out the S96 season.

 

The VHL draft was another crucial moment in his journey. Although he wasn’t selected in the early rounds, he didn’t let that discourage him. In the third round, the Chicago Phoenix took a chance on him, making him an official VHL prospect. But before making the jump to the big league, he needed to prove himself in the VHLM. Surprisingly, he went undrafted in the VHLM dispersal draft, but that only fueled his motivation. He signed with the Mississauga Hounds, where he quickly became a key player for the team.

 

In his second season with the Hounds, Acres took on a leadership role, earning the title of alternate captain. His growth as a player was undeniable, and his journey from an unknown kid in Georgia to a rising star in the VHL was nothing short of inspiring. He continues to develop his game, and with his relentless determination and passion for the sport, his future in professional hockey looks incredibly promising.

 

Avery Acres’ story is one of perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering love for hockey. From discovering the sport by accident to overcoming challenges and making a name for himself, he embodies the spirit of an underdog. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain—he’s a player to watch, and his impact on the ice is only just beginning.

 

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