UWSP Hockey Roster: Meet the Team

Get to know the 2017-2018 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Men’s Hockey team!

Goalkeepers

This season, the UW-Stevens Point men’s Hockey Team has two outstanding goaltenders. Matt Kolesar is a junior from Wadena, Minnesota. He played in 23 games last season and had a goals-against average of 2.42. Kolesar was named second team All-Wisconsin collegiate athletic conference (WIAC) last season.

In his senior year, Joe Nurmi is from Downers Grove Illinois. Nurmi played in 19 games last season and had a goals-against average of 2.68. He was named third team All-WIAC last season.

Defensemen

UWSP Men’s Hockey Team has five defensemen on the roster this season.

Sophomore Alec Elkin is from Eagan, Minnesota. He is 5’11” and weighs 185 pounds. In his first season with the Pointers, Elkin had one goal and two assists.

Junior Jack Gorniak is from Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Gorniak is 6’1” and weighs 185 pounds. He has been with the Pointers for three seasons and has tallied nine goals and eleven assists in his career.

Senior Sam gamez is from Andover, Minnesota. Gamez is 6’0” and weighs 190 pounds. This will be his fourth and final season with the Pointers. In his career, he has recorded four goals and thirteen assists.

Sophomore Joe Leach is from Clayton, Wisconsin. Leach is 6’3” and weighs 210 pounds. This season will be his second with UWSP Men’s Hockey team and in his career he has recorded one goal and two assists.

Freshman Dylan Nichols is from Bovey, Minnesota. Nichols is 5’11” and weighs 170 pounds. This season will be his first with UWSP Men’s hockey team }

Forwards

Forwards are the biggest and strongest players on the team. They body-check, dig for pucks, and fight for position in front of the net. They also have the most important job on the team: scoring goals!

UWSP’s forwards include:

-Connor McPhee, Junior
-Sean Dickson, Senior
-Garrett Dahm, Sophomore
-Trevor Strom, Freshman
-Riley Christensen, Freshman

Meet the Coaches

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point men’s hockey team is coached by Tyler Krueger and assisted by Steve Miller.

Team Captains

This year’s team captains are senior Zach Edmondson and junior Kyle LeBlanc. They are joined by fellow seniors Matt Clifford, Cole Caufield and Andrew Masterson, and junior goalie Jack Berry. The team will look to these leaders to help guide them through a challenging schedule.

Team History

The UWSP Hockey Team began in the late 1970s as a club team. In the early 1980s, the team became a Division III varsity sport. The team has been successful over the years, winning several conference championships and making it to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four in 1993.

Today, the team is made up of student-athletes from all over the United States and Canada. The team is coached by Mark Johnson who played on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team that won the gold medal

Rivalries

Rivalries are a big part of college hockey The UWSP Hockey Team has several rivals, including:

-The University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs
-The University of Wisconsin Badgers
-The St. Cloud State University Huskies

Team Schedule

UWSP looks to continue their winning ways as they enter their third season in the WIAC. The team is young, but experienced, as they return 16 of 20 players from last year’s squad. The team is led by captain Joe Laurienti, who is entering his junior season. Joe is a defenseman from Appleton, WI and he is joined by fellow junior defenseman Nate Piontek, who is also from Appleton. The team’s leading scorer from a year ago, Tyler Wesolowski, returns for his senior season. Tyler is a forward from Wausau, WI and he will be looked to for his scoring punch again this season. In goal, the Pointers will have a new look as both goalies from last year’s team have graduated. Junior Ryan Cote and sophomore David Johnson will battle it out for the starting job in net. The Pointers open up the season at home on Friday, October 27th against UW-Eau Claire

Team Record

The UWSP Pointers Hockey Team is currently undefeated in conference play and ranked second in the nation. The team is made up of 28 players, including three goalies.Meet the team that has brought Pointer hockey back to prominence.

Meet the Fans

Just like any other college team, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers Hockey team has a very dedicated and loyal fan base. The fans are extremely supportive of the team and never miss a chance to show their spirit. Get to know some of the team’s biggest fans!