Senior Scott Miklos has won two hockey awards during his time playing for the Sandburg Eagles: the Team Spirit Award as a sophomore and the Hardest Worker Award as a junior.

 

Both were voted by his teammates and coaches.

 

“I take pride in knowing that my work ethic and attitude have made a lasting impression,” he said.

 

Miklos, 17, who lives in Orland Park, is a right-handed shooting center in jersey No. 77, in his third season on the Eagles’ varsity team. He formerly played for Junior Fury and the Homewood Flossmoor Vikings.

 

“The greatest highlight of my hockey career has been the bonds and sense of brotherhood I’ve built with my teammates and the alumni of the Sandburg Eagles Hockey Club. It’s a connection that goes beyond the rink, shaping who I am as a player and a person,” Miklos said.

 

“I approach the game with a combination of physicality and speed. My goal is to bring intensity to every shift, keeping them short but full of energy and impact.”

 

Sandburg head coach Cal Burkhart first met Miklos before his freshman season, when Burkhart was the Eagles’ goalie coach. “Even when he first skated with us, he stood out as one of the most motivated and passionate players on the ice,” Burkhart said. “He’s on the small side and speedy, but stronger than his size would indicate. He always goes hard on the forecheck, finishes his backchecks, blocks shots, engages in races and battles without hesitation, and kills penalties like a fiend. He can make skill plays with a little sizzle as well.

 

“I’m incredibly proud to see how Scotty has grown as a player and (a man) since his freshman year. He’s one of those heart and soul players who makes you better on your worst days and greater on your best days.”

 

Miklos credits his brother, Max, as the biggest influence on his hockey career.

 

“The season has had its challenges, but we’ve faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger as a team. Despite difficulties, we’re finishing the season on a high note, and I’m excited for what’s to come,” Miklos said. “One of my most memorable moments this season came after recovering from being sick. I was able to score a hat trick in the championship of one of our tournaments, a performance that felt personally triumphant and rewarding for the team.”

 

The personal highlight of his high school career came off the ice. In another part of the world, come to think of it.

 

He was part of Team USA’s Youth Fishing Team that competed in Zimbabwe this past December, which Miklos tagged as “a unique and life-changing experience that taught me lessons far beyond the realm of sports.”

 

The journey to Zimbabwe was transformative, he said. “It was a humbling experience that left a lasting imprint on me. I can describe the sights, the food and the people, but the full weight of what I encountered is something words can’t capture. It reshaped my perspective on life, and I left with lifelong friendships and invaluable life lessons.”

 

Miklos admitted that he didn’t truly know what to expect on the international adventure. “There was little information about where I’d be staying or the fishing conditions, so I was nervous. However, once I arrived, all my doubts melted away,” said Miklos, who needed three flights and a five-hour bus ride to reach the lake.

 

“I flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, then to Lusaka, Zambia, and finally to Harare, Zimbabwe, where I hopped on a bus to reach the lake and my accommodations,” he said. “The journey was stressful, especially navigating airports without my parents. But once I arrived in Zimbabwe, the experience was surreal. The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people and the challenge of fishing were all unforgettable. I met incredible people and created memories I’ll cherish forever.”

 

Miklos was part of the first-ever U.S. National Bass Fishing Youth Team which was “an immense honor,” he said. “It was a rare opportunity to represent my country on a global stage and to be a part of something so historic.”

 

Last fall, his high school fishing coach contacted Miklos’ dad with an offer to compete in the Tri-Nations Cup in Zimbabwe. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and, without hesitation, I agreed. I began preparing immediately,” he said. “After a strong showing in high school tournaments last fall and competing in adult tournaments around the Chicagoland area,” the opportunity came his way. “That exposure helped build my reputation and ultimately led to this incredible opportunity.”

 

Miklos finished second among the American competitors.

 

“I entered the tournament nervous, unsure how I’d adapt to the unfamiliar environment,” he said. “However, through perseverance and adaptability, I found a pattern during practice that worked, and it paid off during the tournament.”

 

Miklos was among 13 American anglers representing Team USA, ranging in age from 13 to 19.

 

Miklos finished 8th overall.

 

“Finishing in the top five would have been ideal, (but) I’m still proud of my performance. It was an incredibly challenging tournament, and considering the limited practice and unfamiliar fishing conditions, I gave it my all and learned so much in the process,” said Miklos, among 46 anglers from three countries.

 

“The fishing conditions were less than ideal due to the fish being post-spawn, which made them more challenging to catch. Still, I managed to land a personal best bass at 7.11 pounds, which was a memorable accomplishment.

 

“The highlight of the trip wasn’t just the fishing, but the chance to meet so many incredible people and experience a new culture. Being able to immerse myself in a third-world country, interact with locals, and see life from a different perspective was truly eye-opening.”

 

This spring, Miklos will compete in multiple high school tournaments, plus multiple all-age events in the Chicagoland area. “My goal is to continue improving and ultimately earn a spot on Team USA again, competing next year in Cape Town, South Africa,” he said.

 

Miklos said, yes, fishing helps his hockey.

 

“Both sports require calm decision-making and mental clarity,” he said. “When fishing, you must make quick, confident choices about where to fish and what techniques to use. The same is true in hockey, where you must stay calm under pressure and make smart decisions quickly.

 

“Hockey keeps me in excellent physical condition and sharpens my focus, both of which are essential for fishing. The endurance and awareness I’ve developed through hockey translate well when I’m out on the water.”

 

 

Slapshots With … Sandburg Eagles Senior Scott Miklos

Off The Ice: Enjoys hunting, particularly shed hunting. “I enjoy spending time with friends, whether that’s hanging out or engaging in a shared outdoor activity.”

Long-term Career Goal: Fish professionally, traveling the world to compete, and sharing his passion for the sport.

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite NHL Player: Wayne Gretzky – “His unparalleled skill and impact on the game make him a legend.”

Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle – “The story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team is inspiring, and always gets me fired up.”

Favorite TV Show: Trailer Park Boys

Motivational Song: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill – “The energy and drive in that track always gets me dialed in.”

Favorite Pre-game Meal: “I like to keep it light but filling, steak and avocados, about three hours before gametime. It gives me the energy I need without feeling too heavy.”

Favorite App: Instagram

Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Seth Feider, a professional fisherman

Best Hockey Tip: “Always give it everything you’ve got while you still can because, before you know it, you’ll be lacing up your skates for the last time.”

Best High School Uniform (other than Eagles): Lincoln-Way