RYNE SAVISKY INTERVIEW

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2008 -- With an assist vs. John Carroll, Ryne Savisky, passed Bob Rose (128 career points) to become Washington & Jefferson College Ice Hockey's ACHA Divison I All-Time Leading Scorer. 'Ryno' is featured in this week's Washington & Jefferson College Ice Hockey Player Profile. While speaking with Savisky, the W&J Assistant Captain reflected on his hockey career thus far as he thanked his teammates for helping him with his accomplishments:

Number: 22

Position: C

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 175 lbs.

Class: Junior

Nickname(s): Ryno, Savy

Major: Accounting

Child-hood hero: Mario Lemieux

Favorite Movie(s): Miracle, Dumb & Dumber, Superbad, Slapshot

First Job: Volunteer Work at Sewickley Valley Hospital in Pharmacy Dept.

Hobbies: Golfing, family time, hanging out with friends.

Favorite Band/Musician: Def Leppard

When did you begin skating? Age 4.

When did you begin playing hockey? Age 7 with the Beaver Badgers.

What is the toughest game that you have played in? Probably against Illinois at the National Tournament my freshman year. Mostly due to their depth, speed. They were good at every position.

You were named to the 1st Team All-ACHA Rookie Team in 2006-2007 and the first W&J Player to be named to an All-ACHA Rookie Team. What are your thoughts? Again, it's an honor to have been named to the ACHA All-Rookie Team. There are alot of good players in the league and being recognized is very special. It took lots of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Thanks to all the players, coaches, and family for helping me reach this accomplishment

What is the significance of having the jersey #22? Tradition. I chose it because it has been a family number. My brother and sister wear the number as well.

Do you have any pre-game rituals / superstitions?  I usually put everything on left first, then right.

Thoughts on being named Assistant Captain? It's an honor to be wearing the 'A' because it's good to know that you have the respect of your teammates and the qualities that you possess are good enough to lead your team.

What characteristics must an Assistant Captain have? An assistant captain should have leadership on and off the ice, support the captain in his decisions, and have good work ethic that the team can follow. 

Greatest Hockey Achievement(s): Being named to 1^st Team All-ACHA Rookie Team (2006-07); In just three years of high school hockey, led West Allegheny High School in scoring all three years and was a 3 time PIHL All-Star.

Favorite Hockey Memories: Winning the 2008 CHMA Playoff Tournament, playing in the College Hockey Showcases and a PIHL All-Star Game at Mellon Arena, and making all of the long road trips with my teammates over the years.

What coach or teammate has helped you the most so far in your career? Probably, George Ferguson. He coached me for about 7 years during my travel hockey days. He taught me the game and I have learned a lot from him over the years.

If you could skate one shift with any player (past or present) who would it be and why? I would want to skate with Mario Lemieux. He was my idol while growing up. He was my inspiration to start playing hockey. I learned from him and tried to play like him when I took the ice. I also learned qualities like leadership, hard work, dedication, and commitment.

What is the importance of staying motivated heading into the 2nd half of the season? What can be done for the team to improve down the stretch? Pretty much playing for pride and playing hard for the seniors because that's important to me. A way to improve is to just keep playing and working hard and don't give up or quit because there is still a chance to make it into the CHMA playoffs. Once you get into the playoffs, you never know what can happen.

Thoughts on becoming Washington & Jefferson’s ACHA Division I All-Time Scoring Leader: It’s truly an honor to be in this position. There have been many great, past and current W&J players who deserve it just as much. I would like to thank all of the players from the team, the coaches, and my family for assisting me into this position. Their support has been the major reason in helping me to get where I am.