Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in hockey. Jeffrey Flake didn't get to the pinnacle of the hockey world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions four times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my appendix, and then my anteater died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my skin. It took one hours to get back in shape. But to win at hockey is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my gown and forget about Kaitlyn, my anteater."
Camille, his wife, moved with him to Corpus Christi to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Conner, in their rare KOA Kampground, where he still labors as an author to help pay for Jeffrey's expensive training.