Hi everyone!

My name is Csanád Erdősi, I’m 17 years old, and I study at Xceed Oakmoor Academy. Alongside my studies, I played for the Des Moines Oakmoor Patriots during this past season.

I’ve now been living in Des Moines, Iowa, for exactly one year.

How did hockey become part of your life?

I was introduced to hockey through my father when I was six years old. At every practice, my dad’s jersey hung from the roof of the Dunaújváros ice rink, constantly reminding me to never give up.

As a child, I played several sports at the same time—I swam, played soccer, and even tried judo. But from the very beginning, hockey taught me so many valuable lessons that I eventually decided to pursue it competitively.

How are you enjoying life in the United States?

Life in America is different, and it definitely takes a few weeks to adjust. But once I settled in, the whole experience became a dream come true.

I’ve had an amazing time here. Thanks to hockey, I’ve made many friends, built valuable connections, and gained life experiences that I’ll carry with me forever.

Was it easy to fit in?

Adjusting wasn’t difficult at all. My teammates and coaches were incredibly supportive from day one, and I always knew I could count on them.

My English wasn’t perfect when I first arrived, but as time passed, my language skills improved significantly. That also made it much easier to socialize both on and off the ice.

How is hockey different in the United States compared to Hungary?

The league I played in is considered one of the top three junior hockey leagues in the world, so competition for roster spots is extremely intense. At times, that pressure was definitely stressful for me.

The ice surface is smaller than in Europe, which makes the game much faster, and the physicality is much greater as well. That combination made every game even more challenging.

What are your goals moving forward?

My biggest goal for next season is to be selected in the USHL Draft, which is the highest level of junior hockey in the United States, and then earn a spot on a team.

If that doesn’t happen, my goal is to continue my career in the NAHL.

How did your parents react to your decision to move abroad?

My parents have supported me mentally ever since I moved to the United States. I owe them so much, and even today they continue to want the very best for me and support me in everything I do.

What are the training sessions like?

We usually start the day with an on-ice skills practice. After that, the team often goes out for breakfast together, and by around 9 or 10 a.m., we’re sitting in the classroom ready for school.

Immediately after classes, we have an off-ice workout. Before games, we focus on mobility and stretching, while on regular practice days we do strength and conditioning.

As soon as the off-ice session ends, we head back onto the ice for an intense team practice.

After a well-earned dinner, I spend the rest of the evening resting and recovering.

Practices are fast-paced, demanding, and disciplined, but they’re also a lot of fun.

What message would you like to share with young athletes who are thinking about studying and competing in the United States?

If you’re thinking about studying and playing sports in the United States, go for it.

An experience like this is something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life, and it’s absolutely worth it.