Bryce Hollweg bids emotional farewell to Army

 
This story first appeared on The Surrey Now website.  To view Troy Landreville's original story click here.

Troy Landreville, Surrey Now

Published: Friday, April 25, 2008

In a couple of ways, the end of the 2007/08 NCAA Div. 1 hockey season was bittersweet for former Surrey Eagles captain Bryce Hollweg.

Yes, the 23-year-old Langley resident captained the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to its first-ever regular season conference title in the school's illustrious 104-year history.

And yes, individually, Hollweg is among the nominees for the national Hobey Baker award, the top individual honour for U.S. college hockey players.

On top of that, he is also among the men's hockey finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, presented each year to the outstanding senior NCAA Div. 1 Student Athlete of the Year.

The acronym "CLASS" stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award celebrates seniors who honour their four-year commitment to their university. The Senior CLASS Award recognizes these student athletes for achievement during competition and in the classroom.

"That sort of thing is a huge honour for me," Hollweg said, regarding the two awards he is up for, "but I never let that kind of (individual accolades) get in the way of the way I play hockey."

Last season, Hollweg was named the Atlantic Hockey 2006/07 Scholar-Athlete of the year for the highest cumulative GPA in his conference (4.0).

Any singular honour was overshadowed by the fact the team-first Hollweg's Army squad was knocked out of the Atlantic Hockey Association Tournament, after losing 4-2 to Mercyhurst in the March 15 semifinals.

Falling in the final four is a disappointment for Hollweg and Army, who went on an 11-1-1 run in their last 13 contests prior to the tournament.

The semifinal loss to Mercyhurst ended Army's season, as well as Hollweg's NCAA career. It marks the close of an important life chapter for Hollweg, who has grown accustomed to the hockey way of living, first in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Langley Hornets and the Eagles, and then at the more regimented West Point Academy.

"Having played hockey for 20 years, it's tough to see it coming to an end," said Hollweg, who was recently in Langley visiting family, as well as his longtime trainer Mike Thompson of Tommyfit Hockey Specific.

Hollweg said that at the end of every junior season, there are four or five players whose careers are over and he will perhaps never see again.

At West Point, there are 11 players, Hollweg included, who played out their final games, unless they decide to pursue a professional career.

"The 10 of my classmates as well as the rest of my teammates are top-notch guys who will continue to make a difference in the world, long after their hockey days are over," Hollweg said. "It's very emotional for me, because there is no more 'next year.' You really do have to prepare yourself for that realization and transition."

Hollweg played 59 games with the Hornets in 2001/02 before finishing his BCHL career with the Eagles, who he captained in 2003/04, finishing with 44 points in 59 games to go with 231 penalty minutes that season.

Then it was off to West Point Academy, where he started slowly as a freshman, recording just eight assists and one goal in 29 games as he became accustomed to the pace of the NCAA game.

His numbers and responsibilities with Army grew each year. His point totals ascended to 18 in 2005/06, 27 in 2006/07, and 31 (including 11 goals) this past season.

"I had my best year this past season, but I improved every year, which I think is important," Hollweg said. "I had the chance to play on the first line with two of the best players in my conference for two years, (Luke) Flicek and (Owen) Meyer. From the first time coach Riley put us together, we had instant chemistry that resulted in high offensive production in games."

The line of Hollweg, Flicek and Meyer ended up first, second, and third, respectively, in team scoring. Flicek and Meyer tied for the team lead with 39 points apiece.

Hollweg believes he made the right choice in choosing West Point.

He had major junior and other NCAA Div. 1 offers, but chose West Point for its prestigious level of education and for the rich tradition that is embedded in the hockey program and the academy itself.

"I would not trade my four years at West Point or with Army Hockey for anything," he said.

Looking back, Hollweg credits his growth as a player to Army head coach Brian Riley.

"I had a really slow start in my freshman year as I made the adjustment from junior to college hockey but my coach continued to give me a chance," Hollweg recalled. "Over my four years, coach Riley and I developed a great relationship, both personally and professionally. He truly is a great man."

After graduating this year with a U.S. lieutenant's rank, Hollweg will be stationed near Brussels in Belgium. He will be working as a signal officer providing communications via computer networks and satelite for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe).

Hollweg called the position "very selective."

"I consider it to be a great opportunity for me to develop both technical and leadership skills, as well as provide a very important asset during the global war on terror," he said.

Hollweg also hopes to continue playing hockey overseas.

"There are tons of leagues over there," he said.