In his second season with the American International College men’s hockey team, former Flin Flon Bomber Joel Kocur is feeling much more confident.
“It’s something that I’ve been trying to build on every practice and game,” the Edson, Alta. product said. “I’m making more plays and playing a bigger role.”
Through 22 games this season, Kocur has tallied three goals and eight points. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound forward has already surpassed the five points he put up as a rookie last season. AIC head coach Eric Lang said that Kocur has taken a big step in his development as an NCAA Division I hockey player due to his dedication.
“He has an ‘A’ mindset, is extremely coachable, and is driven to be great,” Lang said. “When you add all of those factors together you have a very talented player, who continues to get better and better. Quite honestly, Koc is just scratching the surface as a player.”
The head coach at AIC, which is located in Massachusetts, said that Kocur’s strengths are his NHL speed, toughness, and fearless play. Kocur plays on the penalty kill. Lang praised him for his long stick, excellent feet and for being disruptive on the forecheck.
“One noticeable trait is Joel’s confidence with the puck. He is a rare player that can lug it 100-150 feet at a time. He makes a lot of plays for us and is very dependable on both sides of the puck,” said Lang, who noted that Kocur is already looked to as a leader and it wouldn’t be surprising if he wore a letter in the future.”
Kocur, an economics major, said he is more comfortable on and off the ice this season.
“It’s nice coming in knowing the school and the professors. As well as knowing your teammates, the coaches’ systems, and what they expect from you.”
After playing his 18-year-old season in his home province with Whitecourt, Kocur split the next season between that squad and the Bombers. As a 20-year-old, he racked up 34 goals and 71 points while playing on arguably the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s top line that season with Alex Smith and Brandon Switzer. They helped the Bombers make it all the way to the SJHL finals.
“I’ll always have great memories of playing in the Whitney Forum,” Kocur said. “The long playoff run we had when the rink was sold out and the rally towels still gives me chills.”
