Hagel Fights for a Spot in the Pros
The following article featuring former Princeton standout Kyle Hagel appeared November 18 on the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Web site.
By JORDAN
OZER
ECHL Communications Intern
Hockey teams are composed of a variety of different types of players. There are the top line forwards, counted on to produce goals and lead the team is scoring. There are the defensemen, depended on to clear the crease and block clean chances at their net. There are fast young rookies and savvy veterans. But the heart of the team comes from the blue-collar players, counted on to spark some energy into the team, battle in the corners, do the necessary dirty work, and stick up for their teammates, even if that means dropping the gloves and squaring off in a fight with an opponent. Kyle Hagel, who led the AHL in fighting majors last season, certainly fits into the later description.
“Just being physical,” Hagel says of his playing style. “I try to contribute in a number of different ways, like on the penalty kill, but mostly just being an energy player.”
Hagel’s story itself is unique. The 26-year-old Ontario native graduated from Princeton University, where he skated for the Tigers, before starting a professional hockey career. With a number of varied interests while earning his Ivy League degree in politics, Hagel did not give professional hockey much thought until after his graduation.
Complete article can be accessed via the ECHL Web site by clicking here.
