(above) Tyler RuegseggerTyler Ruegsegger is known as one of the University of Denver's hardest-working and reliable hockey players. But what he really wants to be known for is his work and reliability for his faith.
Hockey is important. But for the sophomore star center from Lakewood, it's more a means to deliver his message.
"I've always believed in Christ, and him dying on the cross for everyone's sins," Ruegsegger said of his Protestant beliefs. "I believe he changes your heart when you accept him. And I believe the hockey world is my mission trip. That's been my place to witness."
At 19, Ruegsegger supports his faith in simple terms — areas that aren't the norm for most hockey players or college students.
"No drinking. No swearing. No chewing (tobacco)," he said. "And keeping it clean with the girls. No premarital sex," he said.
Last summer, DU coach George Gwozdecky made Ruegsegger an assistant captain, a rare honor for a sophomore. Character had everything to do with it.
"It's a long season, a marathon, and so many things happen over 6 1/2 months, so many things change, with so much adversity to battle," Gwozdecky said. "When you have great character in your leaders, it's passed along.
"Tyler is such a positive influence. The new players come in every year and they are influenced in so many ways. Tyler, (goalie) Peter Mannino and our other leaders set an example for those guys to make better choices, better decisions."
Ruegsegger wants to become a minister, or at least work overseas with underprivileged people in the summers when not playing hockey. Devoting all his time to his faith likely won't happen soon.
He's been a hockey star at every level, and his career could take him to the NHL. The playmaker was a sixth-round draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006, selected 166th overall.
Ruegsegger — who a year ago became the first Colorado native to accept a full scholarship from Gwozdecky direct from high school hockey — has 22 goals and 47 points in 56 games at DU.
After the Pioneers' series at Alaska-Anchorage this weekend, Ruegsegger and linemate Rhett Rakhshani, also a sophomore, will join the U.S. World Junior Team and play in the under-20 international championship in the Czech Republic over the holidays.
Ruegsegger will undoubtedly try to deliver his message to his fellow American all-stars. He knows that some players will frown on his remarks, but he hopes they will respect him like his DU teammates.
"The guys (at DU) have been great. They know what I believe and they respect it," Ruegsegger said. "At times it can be tough, but when you believe as strong as I do, it's something you're willing to go through for the good of the cause."
Hockey is important. But for the sophomore star center from Lakewood, it's more a means to deliver his message.
"I've always believed in Christ, and him dying on the cross for everyone's sins," Ruegsegger said of his Protestant beliefs. "I believe he changes your heart when you accept him. And I believe the hockey world is my mission trip. That's been my place to witness."
At 19, Ruegsegger supports his faith in simple terms — areas that aren't the norm for most hockey players or college students.
"No drinking. No swearing. No chewing (tobacco)," he said. "And keeping it clean with the girls. No premarital sex," he said.
Last summer, DU coach George Gwozdecky made Ruegsegger an assistant captain, a rare honor for a sophomore. Character had everything to do with it.
"It's a long season, a marathon, and so many things happen over 6 1/2 months, so many things change, with so much adversity to battle," Gwozdecky said. "When you have great character in your leaders, it's passed along.
"Tyler is such a positive influence. The new players come in every year and they are influenced in so many ways. Tyler, (goalie) Peter Mannino and our other leaders set an example for those guys to make better choices, better decisions."
Ruegsegger wants to become a minister, or at least work overseas with underprivileged people in the summers when not playing hockey. Devoting all his time to his faith likely won't happen soon.
He's been a hockey star at every level, and his career could take him to the NHL. The playmaker was a sixth-round draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006, selected 166th overall.
Ruegsegger — who a year ago became the first Colorado native to accept a full scholarship from Gwozdecky direct from high school hockey — has 22 goals and 47 points in 56 games at DU.
After the Pioneers' series at Alaska-Anchorage this weekend, Ruegsegger and linemate Rhett Rakhshani, also a sophomore, will join the U.S. World Junior Team and play in the under-20 international championship in the Czech Republic over the holidays.
Ruegsegger will undoubtedly try to deliver his message to his fellow American all-stars. He knows that some players will frown on his remarks, but he hopes they will respect him like his DU teammates.
"The guys (at DU) have been great. They know what I believe and they respect it," Ruegsegger said. "At times it can be tough, but when you believe as strong as I do, it's something you're willing to go through for the good of the cause."
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this information. It is impressive that he is very upfront about his beliefs. It's likely he gets a fair amount of ridicule for those beliefs so kudos to him for sticking to them.
Another great article by Mike Chambers at the Denver Post.
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