For Orange Lutheran senior Harry Knutson, it wasn't a matter of if he would play ice hockey, but when. With both of his parents from Canada, Knutson was on the ice by age seven, and he has been playing hockey ever since.
 
"I just love the passion," says Knutson. "I love how fast it is, how it's physical and it's got a little bit of everything. I love the community because it's really inclusive. I think it's the most fun sport to watch and definitely the most fun to play."
 
In his second year on OLu's D1 varsity team, Knutson plays forward for the Lancers and serves as one of the team's assistant captains. Whether he's leading his teammates in a pre-game prayer or setting a positive example for the younger players in the program, it's a role in which he takes a great deal of pride.
 
"Harry is a very gifted young man on and off the ice," says OLu hockey head coach Ryan Frost. "He is an exceptional student, as he carries a 4.0 GPA while being a very hard working player for us on the ice. Harry has always been one of the hardest working players that I have ever had the luxury of coaching. His work ethic and compete constantly push the pace of our practices every day. Harry is a kid that you know will find success in whatever he chooses to do next, and he has been a great pleasure to have in our hockey program."
 
As is not uncommon for hockey players in SoCal, Knutson spent several years competing on club teams. But he wouldn't trade anything about his experience playing for the Lancers
 
"I love playing with OLu," says the 17-year old. "Representing my high school is really cool. It's a different experience seeing your teammates, your brothers, every single day. When you put that Lancer (jersey) on, you just feel something special."
 
A large part of the OLu hockey experience for Knutson includes the camaraderie in faith that he and his teammates share.
 
"I think it's really special, and it helps bring everybody together," says Knutson. "Even if we're rivals…we all come together and pray and shake hands. It's something I think everybody enjoys."
 
Off the ice, Knutson is active on campus as a founding member of OLu's Pickleball Club. He also joined with his younger brother, Atticus, to start a nonprofit called MyCal, a platform that helps to match students to industry experts, career pathways and internships.
 
"We're going to bring in a lot of experts in their profession and have them speak to kids about what their profession is, what they do, how they got there, and then answer any questions the students have," says Knutson. "A lot of students have undeclared majors and are not sure what to do, so my brother and I wanted to help out with that. And I think this is a great way to do it."
 
For his own plans after graduation, Knutson intends to study business finance and possibly pursue an MBA or law degree. And if the opportunity presents itself to play club hockey at the collegiate level, he would definitely consider lacing up the skates again.
 
In sports, school and beyond, Knutson credits his parents, especially his mother, for being a strong and positive influence in his life.
 
"My mom has a brilliant mind, and she's really supported me through everything," says Knutson. "She's really smart and an amazing person. She's done great in this world, and I really look up to her in that way."