Julian Recine is no stranger to success. Last season, the third-year forward tallied 11 goals and 19 assists in 31 games for the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team. He also played a significant role in the Blues’ playoff run, scoring one goal and gaining three assists in the postseason.
However, Recine’s path has not been without hardship. In an interview with The Varsity, he detailed how the adversity he faced in his personal life has impacted him as a player and how it has significantly shaped his outlook on life.
The path from Ottawa to Toronto
Recine began playing hockey at the age of three. “[My dad] bought me a pair of skates and a Sidney Crosby jersey and brought me to the ice hockey rink… from there, my love [for hockey] just didn’t stop. I kept playing all the way up.”
The Ottawa native continued to play hockey through the AAA ranks and went on to play Junior A, where he became assistant captain of the Ottawa Junior Senators of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). After some time spent in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, he wrapped up his Junior career in Alaska with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
Signing with the Blues
Recine signed with the Varsity Blues for the 2023–2024 season and is currently pursuing a degree in economics with a focus on data analytics at U of T. He was particularly drawn to the athletic facilities and academic reputation.
“I felt like it was a no-brainer to [sign with the Blues]. The coaches as well as the training staff… have all been amazing, they showed me what life as a Varsity Blue would be like, and I really enjoyed it and thought that this would be a great spot to progress into the next chapter.” Recine emphasized his appreciation for the Blues coaches, who have made a significant impact on his time in Toronto. “Every day, [Coach Ryan Medel and Andrew Dovey] bring energy and passion. They worked hard to create a culture where the guys want to be there and want to make sure they’re giving 100 per cent every day.”
Additionally, he shouted out members of the Blues support staff, including Amy Dinaut from the MacIntosh Clinic, and Equipment Manager Sam Asaro, who accommodate the players’ health needs and equipment preferences.
The upcoming season
Recine has high hopes for the Blues this season. “This year, we’re in a great position to go far… I believe our team this year has been the strongest it’s looked in the preseason since my time here, so we’re really excited for that… I think we have a great recruiting class of incoming guys.”
He fondly recalls last season, when the Blues had a strong playoff run. “We played our rival [Toronto Metropolitan University] TMU in the semi-final series last year at Varsity Arena, which was packed… It was really fun to play in front of all our fans.” While the Blues were narrowly edged out by the Bold last year, the men’s hockey program has seen steady improvement. They finished fifth in the conference in the 2022–2023 season, climbed to third in 2023–2024, and reached second last season.
Facing adversity
Despite his success, Recine also shed light on some of the challenges in his personal life. “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was obviously very tough to deal with, but seeing her strength and positivity through it… It’s been so inspiring. The support I’ve had on the team as well as [from] faculty members has been absolutely amazing and I’m thankful for it every day.”
His mother’s diagnosis has shaped his outlook on life, both as an athlete and as a student. Recine says it has taught him the importance of “being conscious and cognizant with your time and making sure to really put 100 per cent into whatever you’re doing… [I] wake up and [put in] 100 per cent every day because at the end of the day, I know my mom is doing the same.”
Advice to new students and looking ahead
His advice to new students: read your syllabi and plan ahead. “[As a student athlete, it is important to be] very conscious about your time. There’s only so many hours in a day to accomplish what you want to, and U of T is a pretty rigorous school.” Recine also emphasizes the importance of seeking out resources and utilizing social connections. “People love to help. I’ve noticed that in my time [here], and when people come up to me when they need help with school, I’m more than willing to help… [Other students] are a great resource.”
After university, Recine hopes to pursue a career in the real estate industry. “I think the analytical nature of my program and the rigorous education at U of T [and being in Toronto]… positions me well, and I’ve learned so much in my time here that could put me in a position to add value to that field someday.”
No comments to display.