MELFORT — For a lot of players who play junior A, the dream is to receive a scholarship to play post-secondary hockey.
For former Melfort Mustang Rock Ruschkowski that dream became reality, as the 20-year-old forward recently announced his commitment to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic in Calgary.
“It’s been my goal right from the onset of junior that I wanted to play college hockey somewhere, regardless of where it was… I’ve achieved my goal now of being able to play and still go to school so it’s an awesome feeling,” noted Ruschkowski.
“But it hasn’t even begun yet so there’s still a lot of work ahead of me as far as finding a position on the roster that I’m going to be happy with and doing well in school as well.”
Ruschkowski will join the Trojans hockey club, after spending three seasons in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey league, one with the Humboldt Broncos, and the last two with the Mustangs.
In 152 regular season contests, the Calgary native racked up 30 goals, and 38 assists for 68 points.
In nine SJHL playoff games, Ruschkowski added two goals.
Ruschkowski notes the decision to join SAIT was a relatively easy one, saying they were interested in him all season and have an academic program he is interested in.
The transition will be an interesting one for Ruschkowski, who was recruited by a former coach of his, who served as head coach of the Trojans until March when he was fired.
Despite coming into a team with a new coach, Ruschkowski says it should not be much of an adjustment, noting his first season of SJHL hockey was a similar situation.
“Everybody has a new coach so I think the approach is really the same as it would be with a guy who’s been there forever but I guess it gives you a little more of an opportunity to have a good impression on him just as much as a third or fourth year guy would be.”
While not necessarily an offensive explosive player, Ruschkowski says he will bring a game to his new club that should see him able to play in all situations.
“I think really the biggest asset of my game would probably be my speed. I’ve got pretty good skating… so bring some speed and heart.”
While the on ice aspect is important, so too is the off-ice school work, and Ruschkowski says he plans to study respiratory therapy at SAIT.
