November 6, 2009

A Humbling Experience

Click here to read Matt Ondesko's story on the Metro WNY website.

Coming into this season goaltender Andrew Loewen has appeared in 73 games and has been recognized numerous times for his play on the ice.

What people might not know about Loewen is all the work he has done off the ice and in the classroom.
Until now.

Loewen is one of 20 finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have notable achievements in four areas of excellence, classroom, character, community and competition.

The award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in the community.

“It’s an honor first of all to be recognized by the school,” stated Loewen after a recent Canisius practice. “It is an honor and there is a lot of talented people out there. I am kind of speechless.”

Loewen’s talents off the ice include volunteering his time with the Cazenovia Youth Hockey program.
A job he relishes because he knows those kids look up to them as if they were National Hockey League players.

“We have created a great partnership with Cazenovia hockey in South Buffalo,” Loewen said. “Coach Ed Ryan has been wonderful to all the players that have helped out over there. Getting out there with the kids is always fun. They look up to you, they listen to you and they want to be were you are a few years down the road.”

Getting to teach the youth at Caz is especially special because of the kids who used to play there.
Tim Kennedy, Mike Ratchuk and Pat Kane all at one time or another played at Caz and when kids walk into the rink a banner with their names hangs over the door.

“There is a history over there,” said Loewen. “They see those guys and they see us. It’s the next level. They are not sure what the next level is at that age, but they know what we are doing is important and they do see us as heroes at times and it’s humbling when you really stop and see how those kids really look up to you.”

On the ice, Loewen has been one of the main reasons the Griffs have climb the standings in the last four years.

And while he still has a lot to accomplish this season, Loewen can’t help but look ahead, just a little, at what his future might bring after he graduates.

“It has been a great four years,” he said. “Being nominated for the Lowe’s Award comes with a lot of hard work, just not luck. I feel I made the most out of my Canisius schooling both in the classroom, in the community and on the ice. I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity, but I worked hard at it at the same time.”

Working hard is something that Loewen doesn’t mind doing, but he hopes after graduation that it is still on the ice and not at a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job – just yet.

“You always have to be prepared, “he said. “If you don’t prepare for what’s next then what’s next will come and you won’t be ready for it. Am I thinking it yes. Anybody who isn’t preparing for their future as a senior at this moment is going to find life coming at them pretty quickly.”