Hometown News Release

AJ Ruskowski from Traverse City, Michigan, made his compelling start at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota as a hockey player. His direction as a goalie is furthering in the pathway he dreamed to be.

AJ, son of Biz and Jerry, is the foundation that helped him in his career path, as his father is part of the hockey organization in Traverse City. AJ grew up having inspiration from his father and wanted to continue it further as a goalie in helping youth children. AJ participates in the Winona Area Youth Hockey Association (WAYHA) to learn and help children that are interested in hockey. He has been part of this organization for 3+ years as a senior at Saint Mary's. AJ wants to continue his experience into a career in coaching.

Even though hockey is an intense sport played on ice, they are the key to bringing entertainment to the campus. As a hockey player, AJ gets to spend most of his time on the ice, but when the game starts, it's game on. Throughout his 4 years, AJ was awarded Defensive Player of the Week during the MIAC tournament and Honors for placing No. 4 seed in the MIAC Playoffs.

As AJ is the star player in hockey, he is a student majoring in sports management. In sports management, he is using his knowledge and skills to learn and find a job in the area of hockey. AJ has spent most of his time here in Winona but is interested in going wherever his career takes him. As he gained multiple experiences in coaching, teaching others to be a goalie, and getting inspiration from his father, AJ is ready to use his expertise as his time here at Saint Mary's is coming to a close.

AJ hopes to land a job after graduation. There, he will use his passion as a hockey player to teach young children and/or in the hockey league. As AJ is reaching the end of college, he said he is "looking forward to the future and continuing my inspiration that I have for my father." After he graduates in May, he hopes to pursue a career as a head coach.