Wise Making Most of Opportunity with Eagles

By Kendall Silva

Jan 16, 2025

Jake Wise’s hockey career did not start in the typical northern town that lives and breathes hockey, but rather the sunshine state of Florida. Here is where he discovered his love and passion for the sport which has now created a career. 

“My dad played when he was younger, his whole family, we were living in Florida and just decided to take me once to the Panthers practice rink and I got to see,” Wise said. “From there I’m not sure if I liked it right away, but after a while I started to love it and, here we are.” 

His initial liking to the sport grew into a passion he wanted to further pursue. Though Wise tried out other sports throughout his childhood, nothing matched the feeling of playing hockey. 

“I played baseball when I was really young and wasn’t very good,” Wise said. “I played lacrosse, and I liked it a lot, but it interfered with spring hockey, so I ended up not really playing that either.” 

More recently Wise’s career took an unexpected turn that opened him up to a professional tryout with the Colorado Eagles. He was able earn himself a place on the Eagles’ roster which led to 10 goals and nine assists in his first 28 games. “It wasn’t easy that’s for sure, a lot of ups and downs, it was kind of a weird start to the year,” Wise said. “I was in Ontario, so I kind of just expected to end up there and then when it didn’t it was weird, but I would say is worked out pretty well. So, I am happy to be here.” 

Wise has been appreciative of the welcoming he received to the Colorado Eagles organization, thanks in large part to his teammates and coaches. 

“My teammates have been great, I think that’s the biggest thing is you never know, and you don’t know anyone coming in and it makes it kind of weird,” Wise said. “They welcomed me right away and the coaches gave me an opportunity to kind of just go off and play and have fun.” 

Behind Wise’s on-ice success are numerous people he credits to shaping him into the person and athlete he is today. 

“There are countless people – my family one, my mom and dad sacrificing everything, my brother for getting dragged around the rink all the time,” Wise said. “All of the coaches growing up. My coach from home, he’s like my best friend, I talk to him every day. My girlfriend helps me a lot, she takes the brunt of a bad game and the joy of a good game.” 

Wise’s journey to the Colorado Eagles may not have been so cut and dry, but it is clear he is grateful for every step along the way. 

“This has probably been the most fun place I’ve ever played in my life,” Wise said. “The fans are unbelievable, so their support means the world.”