Men's Hockey Q&A: Seniors speak about past, present and future

The RIT men’s hockey Class of 2010 recently discussed preparation for its first trip to the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament with Steve Jaynes, RIT sports information director. Taking part in the conversation were goaltender Jared DeMichiel; defensemen Dan Ringwald and Alan Mazur; and forwards Brent Alexin and Stevan Matic prior to facing the University of Denver in the East Regional this Friday at the Times Union Center in Albany.

Q: Why did you choose to come to RIT?

Dan Ringwald: I fell in love with the rink and the atmosphere when I came to visit. When you play half of your games at home, it has to be a place where you are excited to play. The up-and-coming program having just moved to Division I also intrigued me. I knew I would be able to contribute right away and get in on the ground level of a growing program.

Jared DeMichiel: I came to RIT because of the first class academic programs and the hockey coaches told me that they would give me an opportunity to play.

Q: What are two of your most memorable moments from the last four seasons?

Stevan Matic: I would have to say the win in Minnesota two seasons ago. Being a big stage like that and upsetting a nationally recognized team was a great experience.

Brent Alexin: It would have to be winning the AHA Tournament this season and representing RIT at the NCAA tournament for the first time.

Q: What will you remember most about this season?

Stevan Matic: I will remember how our team came together. We had a rough start this season but we worked hard and continued.

Q: What were the lessons you learned from disappointing losses in the AHA semifinals during the previous two seasons?

Alan Mazur: Anything can happen. Any team can beat any team at any time and you always have to be your best in the playoffs.

Brent Alexin: Playoff hockey and regular season hockey are two totally different brands of hockey.

Q: What’s different between this year’s team and teams in the past three seasons?

Jared DeMichiel: This is the best ‘team,’ top to bottom, I’ve ever played with at RIT and no individual is bigger than the team. Every single person on our team can play the game.

Dan Ringwald: Our older guys have learned a lot about playing at the college level, and as a program, we have been able to recruit better and better talent each year.

Q: What are your thoughts as you head to your first NCAA Division I tournament?

Dan Ringwald: Our team is playing our best hockey and we are focused and determined to go as far as we can.

Stevan Matic: This is a different position to be in. We are seen in our conference as the team that’s going to win and should win night in and out, but now we are the underdogs. A good team with no pressure can be a positive thing.

Q: What are your thoughts on playing Denver on Friday?

Stevan Matic: We have played teams like Denver before so its not that big of a wow factor, we are excited and looking forward to the game.

Alan Mazur: Anxious!

Dan Ringwald: We know they are a great team and have lots of skill, so we will have to be at our best.

Q: You guys were the favorites in the AHA tourney, how does it feel to be the underdog?

Jared DeMichiel: It is actually a nice feeling because we have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on Denver because they are suppose to beat us. We just need to go out, play hard, have fun and hope for the best.

Q: After this magical run is over, what are your plans for the future?

Dan Ringwald: I am looking to make a career out of hockey and finishing my MBA.

Q: How has RIT and RIT Hockey prepared you for the future?

Jared DeMichiel: RIT and RIT hockey have prepared me for whatever is thrown my way in the future.

Brent Alexin: Leadership and confidence in knowing I can do whatever I want in the future.