NY Hockey OnLine
Starczewski / Page 13
Whitesboro Native Combines Two Passions -The U.S. Army and Hockey by Randy Schultz Randy@nyhockeyonline.com
“I
a l w a y s wanted to play Division I hockey and serve this great country of ours. West Point gave me the opportunity to do both.” That is how Army Black Knights forward, Andy Starczewski described his feelings about the choice he made as a senior in high school four years ago. The Whitesboro, NY native is now a senior at West Point and can’t believe that the time has flown by so quickly. “The time has really flown by fast,” said the 6-1, 205-pound Starczewski. “It really feels like I’ve just come off my freshman year. “I’ve always been looking at ways to improve my game. Now it’s all about using what I’ve learned. “I’ve been lucky to play with some very talented players during my four seasons. I can only be as good as the players I play with.” Starczewski remembers the turning point for him in his final year of high school when he decided on what he was going to do next. “I remember hearing our answering machine at home,” recalled the Northwood High School graduate. “Just hearing the coach say he was from West Point made me take notice. “I had several schools in the area recruiting me. But when I heard those two words, ‘West Point,’ that clinched it for me. “At one point in my life I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a path in baseball, football or hockey. But there is something about that ice and that’s why I leaned towards hockey in the end.” Starczewski’s coach during his four seasons of play with Army has been Brian Riley. The Black Knights head
coach has watched the veteran forward mature during that time. “Aside from being an outstanding player, somebody who can score goals, ‘Starzy is just a great kid,” commented Riley. “Especially this year when we have so many young players, he is great to have in the locker room. “West Point can present many challenges, especially to the freshmen. So to have somebody to go to like ‘Starzy’ makes that first year a lot easier.” Statistically, Starczewski has improved every season. “I think part of it is maturity,” continued Riley. “It’s also about feeling comfortable and confident. “Andy is a very confident player. When we need goals, he’s the guy that we look to. “He has got as good a shot as any player in this league. I think every time he is out on the ice, he is a threat to score.” Riley knew from the day he saw Starczewski that the Whitesboro native was a player he wanted on the hockey team. “We knew he could score goals,” stated Riley. “We had never been a very high powered offensive team. “We felt that Andy could boost our offense. And he has
www.nyhockeyonline.com