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Ian GudenauFree Access


From the time he first hit the ice at age 10, University Liggett senior Ian Gudenau was hooked. He picked up hockey soon after and began playing for the Bulldogs Hockey Club.

University Liggett senior Ian Gudenau has been with the Knights varsity boys hockey team since his freshman year and was named MVP of the MIHL Liggett Holiday Tournament in December. Photo by Barbara Johns

A few years later, Gudenau made the jump to high school and has been with Liggett’s varsity team since his freshman year. Now as a senior, Gudenau has worked himself up the ranks and come a long way in just a short amount of time, with those around him recognizing his hard work and dedication.
“Last year I was an assistant captain and I worked with my coach in the offseason so he knows how hard I work and it put into perspective that I could be a good leader for the team,” he said. “My teammates voted me to be captain…I’m honored to be this team’s captain because I love this team and we have a lot of talent. I’m the captain of this team but there’s so much other leadership in the room. We hold each other to the same standards.”
Many of those teammates who voted Gudenau captain are also longtime friends. The chemistry and connections they have with each other boosts the team’s production on the ice and has helped Gudenau grow as a leader. He may be the one holding the title of captain, but knows it is important to take pride in holding each other accountable.
“Almost all of us have been playing together for four years,” Gudenau said. “We’ve been through everything together…There’s a lot of chemistry on the ice especially with guys like Sean Sullivan and Campbell Marchal. We know where each other is going to be and each other’s tendencies…I have the ‘C’, but it’s not just me telling people what to do. We push each other and have a lot of depth in the room.”
That accountability and the ability to push each other is what makes Gudenau believe that his best quality as a leader is leading by example. He may not be at the top of the stat sheet after every game, although he is third on Liggett this season in points with 17, but Gudenau sets the example by never slowing down no matter what the score is.
Gudenau is the type of player who is not afraid to hustle on both ends of the ice as a forward. His mentality is often to pass first and create plays, but like most good hockey captains, he also knows when to seize the perfect chance to strike.
“I’m a dependable two-way player and I take pride in my faceoffs and using my teammates,” Gudenau said. “I like to use my teammates before shooting the puck but if the opportunity is there I’ll put the puck in the net.”
His dedication to being a two-way forward and setting the example for everyone else on the ice has only grown with his role as a senior leader. The ability to score, create plays, and also defend gives Gudenau practically everything a team could want as part of a senior core. He is working to only get better with every game and practice that he has remaining to wear a Liggett sweater.
“I’ve really wanted to be dependable defensively and be out there at the end of the game giving my all to preserve a win,” he said. “I want to hold myself accountable for being a good defensive player but also grow offensively.”

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