Cool Under Pressure: The icy determination of BJ Imperial
When you think of Philippine sports, ice hockey might not be the first thing that comes to mind but for BJ Imperial, it’s been his lifelong passion and purpose.
Born on February 23, 1999, and a proud graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Imperial now anchors the blue line as a defenseman for the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team.
His journey into the sport began with a touch of family influence. “I first started playing ice hockey when my cousins, who grew up in the States, moved back to the Philippines when they were in college,” Imperial recalled. “I was around four or five years old then. They liked to play hockey back in the U.S., so when they came back, I just wanted to tag along.”
At first, those games played on the streets were simple, playful sessions that sparked a lifelong love for the game. It wasn’t until age 12 that Imperial first laced up his skates on real ice, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of the sport.
Representing the country, he says, is a feeling like no other. “It’s something that I really take pride in, he shared. I tell my friends, I don’t think you’ve ever sung the national anthem like I have. It’s a different kind of pride when you play for your country.”
That sense of pride extends to his teammates, with whom he shares a strong brotherhood forged through hard work and shared sacrifice. “Within the team, I think it’s a really close bond because you go through a lot of things together, the struggles of training, competing against other countries, and taking pride in what you’re doing,” he said.
For Imperial, winning is always the goal, but it’s not the only one. “Aside from winning, I guess it’s also to encourage the next generation. We hope that hockey doesn’t stop with our team. We hope that it continues for the next generation.”
When he’s not patrolling the rink or studying game tapes, Imperial trades his hockey stick for a golf club. “When I’m not playing hockey or watching hockey, I like to play golf,” he said with a smile.
And for young Filipinos curious about trying ice hockey, his message is simple but heartfelt: “Don’t be intimidated. It’s a sport that’s not really famous for a tropical country, but just come out and join us.”
For BJ Imperial, the ice may be cold, but his passion burns bright. A proof that even in a tropical nation, dreams can glide and goals can shine under the rink lights.
