Nice Article on Russ Sinkewich

[Falcon Fanatic]

http://www.toledoblade.com/Walleye/2013 ... patch.html

In case you're blocked from reading it (which happens to me regularly):

Walleye defenseman Russ Sinkewich knows firsthand that even championship-caliber teams must go through rough patches.

Sinkewich, a 28-year old blueliner, was a member of the 2011 Kelly Cup championship team with Alaska. He said the Aces experienced the typical dips before rolling to an ECHL title. So the veteran defenseman said the recent woes for this Walleye team should not be cause for alarm.

“Every year is a process. There has never been an undefeated [hockey] team,” Sinkewich said. “Even the year in Alaska we had streaks and flukes. Every team that has had any success has had to fight through adversity.”

Toledo had lost four straight games before a 6-2 win over Evansville on Saturday. The Walleye (5-6-2) remain in last place in the ECHL North Division. But Sinkewich, a physical shutdown defenseman, said this team has the same high character and skill level as that Alaska team.

“That is what the difference is,” Sinkewich said. “No one is happy with where we are at in the standings. But that is why we play a seven month season.

“I see a lot of similar characteristics here. There are the tangibles and intangibles there in the locker room. We have great balance. We have guys that can bury it and guys that can grind it out. That's why I'm excited moving forward.”

Sinkewich is playing in his sixth pro season after playing at Bowling Green State University. The native of Westlake, Ohio.

“I'm so proud to play for an Ohio team and in front of my friends and family,” Sinkewich said. “It's only an hour and a half away from home. I can't say enough about the community. It's a tremendous atmosphere [at the Huntington Center]. It could not be a better situation.”

Walleye coach Nick Vitucci acquired Sinkewich in a three-team trade.

“He has championship experience under his belt and a lot of games in minor-pro hockey,” Vitucci said. “He is a very solid, good all-around defenseman.”

Sinkewich has played in all 13 games for Toledo and has five assists.

Sinkewich split last season between Gwinnett of the ECHL and Portland of the American Hockey League. He played in 42 games for Alaska during the title season and had two goals and six assists.

“There's no better way to learn something than to actually experience it,” Sinkewich said. “I watch a ton of sports and players always talk about how special championship seasons are. That is the truest statement. I saw the commitment and sacrifice it took from the top to the bottom. I'm fortunate enough to call myself a champion. It's nice because you know what it takes.”

Sinkewich said he sees the same potential in this group and that Saturday's win provided proof. Rookie goalie Jared Coreau earned his first pro win after his team erupted for six goals in the final two periods.

“That was one of those games that an entire season can hinge on,” Sinkewich said. “We were under performing in a lot of different categories. But we tied it all together. It was one of our first 60-minute efforts where everything clicked. I think that can be a springboard.”

At 6-foor-4 and 219 pounds, Sinkewich said he takes pride in “being a rock back there.”

“I hope to take care of my end first and then chip in offensively,” he said.

Prior to turning pro, Sinkewich played in 95 games at BGSU. He collected five assists and 131 penalty minutes for the Falcons.

“I was a huge BG fan growing up,” he said. “I am grateful I had the opportunity to play for them in the CCHA. They have such a rich tradition. My experience there was incredible.”

In high school, Sinkewich played at Lakewood St. Edward and led the Eagles to a record eighth state championship in 2002. Sinkewich now encourages other young prep players to follow his path to the pro ranks. He helped found a program called the Ohio Hockey Project.

“I want to stay involved in the sport one way or another,” he said. “I found my niche and I want to help [high school players] have lofty dreams.”

Can't wait to get up there to watch Russ play!!
GO FALCONS!!

[poltergeist]

Russ keeping busy, Russ passing it on...

BGSU Hockey ‏@BGSU_Hockey 1h
Summer developmental league coached by former Falcon @RustySink

http://www.ohiohockeyproject.com/" target="_blank

“The reality is, other than captains practices, which often lack productivity, our high school aged player is not getting nearly the development he needs to prepare to make the jump to play beyond high school hockey. The objective of our Development League is to raise the intensity of on-ice practice habits, as well as off-ice performance training expectations! With out systematic, professional approach our athletes are guaranteed to leave our summer-long program much improved, and more more motivated to achieve their hockey goals!” Explained Russ Sinkewich, Head Coach and founder of the Development League and Hockey Project.

[Freddie]

I hope everyone realizes that Russ' statements are certainly NOT meant as a slam against high school coaches or their programs. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) places SEVERE restrictions on what contact coaches are allowed with their players outside of their prescribed season. Very few high school players in ANY sport have more than a snowball's chance in hell of playing beyond high school without participating in programs like this. Best of luck to Russ in this work.