When being good isn't good enough

Nine new players and a new captain look to secure national title for club hockey team

by Adrian Nida
Vanguard Feature Editor

September 17, 2007 —

It's not quite winter yet, but SVSU's club hockey team is ready to lace up the skates. The puck drops this Friday, and the start of the season brings more than a few new faces to the growing team: nine new players will join 17 returning players on the ice for the team's second year.

Last year the team was ranked in the top four of the North Division of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) for the entire season, leading to a berth in the national championship tournament.

"Because it was our first year, we had a probationary status so we were unable to compete," explained former captain Jake Trombley. "This year we have our eyes and hearts set on that national title."

Trombley will join Brian Jensen as an assistant captain to the new team captain Pat Miller. The captains were chosen through a voting process.

"It's a privilege to be a captain and to be respected by so many great players," Jensen commented. "We play in such a competitive atmosphere and each player is equally important."

The nine new members are bringing more than just a pair of skates to the team, Trombley said.

"Freshman Brandon Clary is a great player and will add depth," he explained. "Newcomer Chris Tibaudo's experience and talent will also help us out a great deal."

Being new on the team, Tibaudo looks forward to the upcoming season.

"We have a ton of good talent from our three goalies all through our five lines. It's a lot of fun so far and I know we all can't wait for the season to start," he said.

"As for being new on the team it's kinda weird having my younger brother call me 'rook,' but it works."

Tibaudo's younger brother Jon was the leading scorer for the Cardinals last season, and second in the nation overall in goals scored.

Jon Tibaudo reflected on his success last year.

"It was nice to be leading scorer, but without the kids on my line I wouldn't be able to do it."

The addition of the new talent also made for plenty of competition between the players. Team members will have to earn their spot on the starting roster this year, whereas last season, everyone dressed for the game. The competition may be greater this year, but the team still has one common goal.

"We're looking to be the top team, not one of the top teams," Jensen said.

"We want to win the national title, nothing less."

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