In sports, the letter “C” is the most important letter in the English alphabet as it symbolizes a lot of different meanings: positive thinker, unselfish, mentor, responsible, and most importantly, leader. When you put all of these qualities together, you get one powerful word that only a select few get to don on their hockey sweaters, Captain.
For Muskegon Lumberjacks alumnus Patrick Koudys, the Smithville, Ontario native recently became the first former Lumberjack to obtain the captaincy rank in the collegiate ranks and was thrilled upon hearing the news from Head Coach Guy Gadowski that he was chosen as the program’s second-ever Captain since they joined the Division I ranks.
“It’s exciting and a great opportunity to lead such a great group of guys that we have coming in this upcoming season,” shared Koudys. “I had found out that I was going to be either an Assistant Captain or Captain of the team and heard about the news the day before it was officially released by Coach Gadowski. It’s going to be a fun year with almost everyone back from last year.”
With being the Captain at any level comes the added responsibilities of maintaining a positive team vibe both on and off the ice, but Koudys says that keeping the team chemistry at an all-time high shouldn’t be a problem given the players that are already in place.
“We have a solid core of players that work hard both on and off the ice and are doing the right things the right way while being there for one another,” said the Penn State defenseman. “I believe that we are going to have a very special year as we continue to gain continuity and the fact we are more accustomed to the systems that are in place with not as many growing pains.”
Sometimes, players do not adapt properly to becoming a Captain of their respective team because they tend to get out of their comfort zone of who they are, but Koudys’ formula is simple, keep on the path that has gotten him to where he is today.
“The constant advice I keep telling myself is to keep being who I am and keep doing the right things that have landed me to where I am at today,” shared the Washington Capitals prospect. “I’m not going to change anything about who I am as a person and hockey player. I’m going to continue to work hard both on the ice and in the classroom and be a solid defenseman and the physical presence that the coaching staff admires while continuing to lead by example.”
Recently, Gadowski was quoted by describing Koudys as a “man” and an “animal,” and the Muskegon alum appreciated and was humbled by those sentiments.
“It’s nice to hear and means a lot to me that my hard work is really paying off. I must be doing something on the ice that the coaching staff likes.”
Prior to joining “Hockey Valley,” Koudys played during the 2012-13 season with the Lumberjacks after spending his first two years of college eligibility at R.P.I. The NHL prospect shared that his decision to play in the USHL was one that he will never regret.
“My one year was an unbelievable experience, and I am very grateful to the Lumberjacks’ organization for giving me the opportunity to further my abilities in a great development like the USHL,” explained Koudys, emphatically. “Playing in the USHL is not a step back at all when comparing it to the college level, and it is a challenging development league where over 95 percent of the players move on to the college ranks.”
Along the lines of making the best decisions for his future, Koudys will never be bitter about his choice to finish out his collegiate career with the Nittany Lions.
“It’s probably the best decision I have made in hockey career so far. The rink (Pegula Ice Arena) and facilities are top-notch along with a supportive coaching staff. The worst part is I only have one more year left (at Penn State),” said the former Burlington Cougar. “Last year, our team was young and getting accustomed to the Big Ten Conference and didn’t do as well as we had hoped. This year, we will be more prepared and ready to come out strong.”
In terms of his future in the classroom, Koudys is on time to graduate in the spring of 2015 and is currently enrolled in a pair of summer classes as he tries to catch up after transferring from R.P.I. to Penn State per NCAA rules. On the hockey side of things, Koudys is attending the Washington Capitals Development Camp for the fourth consecutive year held from July 6-12th and is optimistic about his impending hockey future.
“The Capitals still have very high hopes for me in their prospect system, and I am going to continue my development as a player and show them that I can one day be an impact player at the next level, but I am not there yet. I just have to keep getting better and hope for the best.”
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