Aaron Titcomb

Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Charlestown, Mass.

Q: What team did/do you play for?
A: I am currently in the Philadelphia Flyers organization playing for the Reading Royals in the ECHL.

Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I am currently a professional hockey player and also do personal training in my free time.

Q: Did you have to overcome any large obstacles or challenges to achieve your current career?
A: My path through hockey is a very unique one I like to think. There were many obstacles that I had to overcome to be where I am today. I lost my father when I was just a year old to violence. I believe this is an obstacle that no person or family should ever have to go through in their lifetime. Also, when I was 17 I got hit from behind and broke my neck, my c3 and c4 vertebrae to be exact. I was told that I would most likely never be able to play hockey again, but with my work ethic and support of family and friends I was able to get to where I am today.

Q: Any advice for achieving your goals?
A: If a goal is really worth achieving and it is something that you’re very passionate about, you have to remember that there will always be some sort of obstacle that you will have to overcome. Achieving a goal that is truly worth achieving will never be smooth sailing and if it is, that means that your goal is not big enough. When you meet resistance while chasing a goal / dream, that is when you really find out if your goal is worth it or not.

Q: What college did you attend and what was your major?
A: I attended Merrimack College for 4 years, where I majored in Finance and Sports Management.

Q: Did you play hockey while attending?
A: I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to play hockey at Merrimack in the best conference in college hockey.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have taken from your athletic career that translates into everyday life?
A: My athletic career has taught me so many valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I would have to say the biggest lesson I have learned through athletics is you have to be gritty. Grit is something that correlates into every aspect of your life. It shows you how resilient you can be, how you take constructive criticism, how hard you’re willing to work for something, and it really shapes your whole outlook on your current life.

Q: Why did you choose to play hockey?
A: I chose to play hockey because it ran in my family and it was basically a religion growing up in Charlestown. Hockey was also an avenue I would take to keep me out of trouble because there were plenty of unhealthy distractions where I grew up.

Q: Do you have any hockey career highlights, accomplishments, or favorite memories?
A: My favorite memory would have to be scoring my first collegiate goal because it was on the anniversary of my father’s passing, it was a very special moment for my family as well. There have been many individual accomplishments I have been able to achieve, but the biggest thing I will take away from the game are the friendships I have made.

Q: What’s your connection with TSR?
A: I have known Mr. Sheehy for a long time now and actually coached his son at Micro Ice. I also was fortunate enough to help them out with a commercial. Mr. Sheehy and TSR has always taken care of me and I will forever be grateful.

Q: Any advice for younger athletes?
A: The biggest piece of advice for younger athletes would be to always be the hardest working person in the room and the rest usually falls into place. There are going to be numerous obstacles and people telling you that you’re not good enough. It is at these times when you have to keep moving forward even when you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process, you only get to do it once!