Off the ice, he may not be the biggest, the most threatening or the most aggressive person, but on the ice, it’s a completely different story.

Senior captain Philip Satin has been one of ice hockey’s go-to weapons ever since his freshman year on varsity. Whether it’s goal scoring, defense or a game changing faceoff, he’s one of the most reliable players on the team.

“I started playing hockey when I was about 3 years old,” Satin said. “My brother and father introduced me to the game, and I fell in love with the speed and tenacity of the sport.”

A member of two high school state championship teams, Satin is accustomed to winning. However, his everlasting drive to succeed in any aspect of life is insatiable, whether it’s on the ice or in the classroom.

Satin has been supported throughout his career by his brother Zach, who won a state championship with Satin his freshman year, and his father, Andrew.

“My dad goes to every game I play, and he watches with great detail,” Satin said. “He does not always cheer, but he gives me his honest opinion which has helped me grow as a hockey player.”

Ever since he can remember, Satin’s father has been by his side throughout his entire hockey career, helping him improve his game and keeping his mind on the sport.
Satin also appreciates the advice from his brother. As a first team All-Met his senior year and a member of the Vanderbilt University club ice hockey team, Satin looks up to his brother immensely.

Although Satin looks up to his brother and strives to have similar success, he does not simply want to follow the same path, but rather create a legacy all his own.

“I don’t believe I am following in my brothers footsteps, but I am trying to continue all the great things Zach and Zack Arden did for Churchill hockey,” Satin said. “Only the [current team’s] senior core played with the Zachs, so as captains and seniors we are instilling the ways of the Zachs into our younger players in order for the Churchill hockey dynasty to continue.”

Satin’s leadership is also evident with his teammates. Senior Mark Weinstein has played with Satin for all of his four years on varsity, and speaks highly of Satin’s game and leadership capabilities.

“Phil is always there doing his job, he always leads by example,” Weinstein said. “He may be lazy, but probably in the most effective way possible.”

According to Weinstein, Satin’s mindset pushes him to succeed, and his unselfish behavior and “extreme ice awareness translates to a really good team player.”

Satin’s drive to succeed has helped make CHS hockey a perennial powerhouse in the DMV area, consistently blowing out private schools and winning two Maryland 4A/3A state championships in the past three years. The bulldogs are also favored to repeat as champions again this year, which according to Satin is very possible.

“I am confident if we show up every day and do our jobs, there is no team in the state that can beat us, public or private,” Satin said.