While stats are kept in hockey, the value of Carlyle's Colin Wilson cannot be measured in mere numbers.
The captain of the Minot State University club hockey team has led his team to its second straight American Collegiate Hockey Association National Championships. The event will be hosted by the University of Delaware March 5-9. As this is his fourth and final season, the MSU Beavers will certainly notice the lack of Wilson's presence next season.
"We will certainly be missing his leadership," MSU head coach Wade Regier wrote in an email interview. "He has such a strong work ethic and really motivates his fellow teammates to work harder both on and off the ice."
The leadership abilities of the son of Wayne and Tannis Wilson have long been known. Before joining MSU, Wilson captained the Humboldt Broncos to a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championship. Last season, as a MSU assistant captain, he helped the Beavers reach the ACHA nationals. In his first two years, Wilson was part of rebuilding the MSU program.
"At the time, it was kind of tough. ... Now that I realize where we are at, it was definitely worth it," Wilson said in a phone interview.
In junior hockey, Wilson provided a physical presence. In each of his three seasons with the Broncos, he accumulated over 150 penalty minutes. In the middle season of his Humboldt tenure, he had 241 penalty minutes in 50 games, according o hockeydb.com.
Fighting is penalized more at the college level, so Wilson had to adjust his game. He feels he is now more of an all-around player and has really developed his offensive skills. This season the forward has five goals and nine assists in 25 games. His career high for points in a season with Humboldt was 14 in 50 games in 2005-2006. Wilson posted 22 points in each of the past two seasons.
However, the grit and willingness to do the dirty work has not left Wilson's game. He is second on the Beavers with 97 penalty minutes.
No matter where he has played, Wilson has had the support of his parents.
"They have traveled everywhere," he wrote. "They have bought me everything I've needed. ... I wouldn't be here without them."
Travelling has been one of the most enjoyable aspects for college hockey for Wilson. The MSU squad has been to such places as Chicago, Detroit, Oklahoma City, Arizona and Ohio. The travel is a necessity as most teams qualify for the ACHA tournament through a high ranking in the national poll. MSU, which is ranked No. 6, does not play in a conference so it needs to showcase its abilities against non-NCAA teams around the United States.
"Seeing the country has been the best part. ... Meeting new guys and just getting a degree while doing it," Wilson said.
This May he will graduate with a physical education degree. In the fall, he will complete his teaching practicum. While Wilson looks forward to the future, he is currently focused on extending his college hockey career as much as he can. The ACHA tournament is a single-knockout event.
"Being my last year, it is nice to qualify for nationals and have a chance at winning everything."
