 TDN Photo - Anthony Weber Hobart welding student skating for Troy teamBy Jim Davis TDN Staff Writer
John Rubel knew he'd be wearing a helmet and gloves when he came to Troy late last year, but wearing them on the ice wasn't part of the plan.
A student at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology since early December, the 19-year-old Flint, Mich. native has been "moonlighting" since early February as a forward for the Troy Bruins Junior-A hockey club.
And doing pretty well at it, too.
Since temporarily trading in his welding mask and gloves for hockey gear and a pair of borrowed skates last month, Rubel has been an instrumental part of the team's success. Through eight games, he's registered 12 points on six goals and six assists - including a four-goal explosion Feb. 12 in a 13-0 shutout of Philadelphia.
"I'm having fun," said Rubel, who was out of hockey for nearly a year when he joined the Bruins. "I had forgotten what it was like (and) I really enjoy it - everything about it - the fighting, playing in front of the fans. All of it."
His offensive production has been a plus for the Bruins as the team locked up a playoff spot in its inaugural campaign. But, perhaps more importantly for Rubel, he's having fun and getting a shot at winning a championship. Which is something that eluded him at every level he's played at.
"I've never won a championship. I went to the high school championships twice (without winning), so this is my last chance to win something," he said. "I'm not the player I used to be, but I'm having fun. I'm playing hockey just for the pure fun of it. "I'm not working to get somewhere, I'm just working to win something and have fun."
Born in Flint and raised in Swartz Creek, Mich., Rubel said he caught the hockey bug early and hasn't been able to shake it. "The first time I picked up a stick and started skating was when I was about 4 years old ... and I got to the point where I was playing street hockey out in front of the house for 12 hours a day," he remembered. "My parents finally just said 'Alright, it's time to get on the ice.'"
Rubel went on to star at Flint Powers Catholic High School, where he was named first team all-state his senior year, then pursued junior hockey in the North American League and Central States Hockey League before getting a little burned out. "I was the captain as a rookie and it just made things hard. They fired the coach ... and I just didn't like it," he said. "I finally got traded to my hometown team in Flint ... and after that I just didn't want to play anymore." That all changed when he got to Troy.
"I was actually on Google and was looking for something to do, trying to learn something about (Troy)," he said. "Something about Troy Bruins hockey came up ... and I found out they had a Junior A team here." Rubel met with some Bruins officials "and I said I'm maybe looking to skate a little, mainly just to practice - or if they needed a player in an emergency situation." He's been more than just an emergency fill-in player. "He's been able to come in and play on a line that has been productive offensively and defensively," said Bruins Head Coach Shane Hicke, referring to the line of Rubel, Justin Dornhecker and Derek McPherson. "He's very good technically and has had a lot of good hockey coaching.
"It's just funny that he (comes to town), hears that there is a team and kind of finds us," he continued. "He was interested in possibly playing hockey while he was in town, and at that time we were looking for someone. He was one of the guys that fit the bill."
While playing hockey has helped make his stay in Troy enjoyable, Rubel said pursuing a career in welding remains his priority. 'I want to get into pipe welding to be a pipe fitter, like my buddy," said Rubel, who attends class seven hours a day, five days a week through August. "It flies right by. I enjoy it so much it feels like I'm there only two hours a day. I look forward to going there every day."
For now, Hicke is just glad he's able to bring some of that energy to the ice as the Bruins strive for a league crown. "He's created that passion to play hockey again ... and he's been a great addition for us," he said. "It's been a win-win situation."
For more information about the Troy Bruins, visit www.troybruins.com.
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