The only thing Alex Singley knew when he made his commitment to play at Ohio was that he was going to be part of something special.
He didn’t know what his role would be or how relationships would be built. He didn’t even know what his jersey number would be.
Some of those questions have been answered for the freshman forward. As he’s played in three of No. 4 Ohio’s first four games – he was a healthy scratch for one of Ohio’s games against John Carroll – Singley has started to find his way on and off the ice.
“Right now I’m just trying to go out there and play the best I can,” he said. “Maybe get some points and help the team where I can.”
With four points so far, Singley is learning his way, but he’s not learning on his own.
On a very player-led team, it’s easy for younger skaters to lean on the more experienced ones. For Singley, that skater is Cody Black.
Black, the senior forward and captain, can relate to Singley both on and off the ice. The two grew up in Pittsburgh suburbs, Black in Wexford, Singley in Latrobe. It’s that Pittsburg connection that’s not only helped Singley, but Black as well.
“We’re always chatting and joking around in the locker room,” Black said. “He’s a very happy individual in the locker room, he always brings a smile.”
For older players like Black, being around that excited young energy helps remind him why he loves the game. Inversely, the seriousness and attention to detail that Black brings makes Singley want to be a better player.
“He’s our captain for a reason,” Singley said. “He’s the hardest working kid I know, he brings his best every single practice. He really sets the tone for me.”
It’s a budding relationship that makes coach Sean Hogan realize just how strong of a team he has, despite it being so early in the season.
“In order to have success in college athletics, I believe you have to be player lead,” Hogan said. “A group of older guys have to show that they’ve bought in so it leaves no doubt to the freshmen and that’s what we have here.”
Black and Singley are both invested in each other, at times it can be difficult on the ice. They have different styles of play.
Typically, the Bobcats like to utilize smaller and faster forwards, such as the 5-foot-8-inch Black. Singely, however, is an exception to the status quo. The 6-foot-2-inch winger stands tall above the rest. It’s an element that’s wrinkled into Ohio’s game. Once it pans out, there’s no question to what Singley can do.
So as the season progresses, Singley will have more lessons to learn both on and off the ice. But he knows he’s backed by his teammates, the coaches and the fans.
“I’m loving it here,” he said. “I’m loving the Athens life.”
