Over at the USCHO fan forum there's a thread titled Best Walk-On Player Ever and unfortunately no UAA fans (that are allowed to post there) ever noticed or didn't think to post in it. But I've got a nominee for Best Walk On Player Ever at UAA. Captain Charlie Kronschnabel.
Charlie came to UAA after spending two years in the USHL with Tulsa then River City. In 115 games he scored 17 goals and had 13 assists. Not the sort of numbers that generate offers from D-I schools but Charlie didn't see himself giving up on hockey at that point. His dad played for CC in the late 70's. The grapevine went to work and UAA coaching staff invited Charlie to walk on.
In his first season, Charlie earned a spot and scored 9 goals with 13 assists. His second season saw similar numbers (9g-12a) and by that time he'd established himself as a solid two-way player. As it was for so many UAA players the 05-06 season saw his numbers dip to (4g-9a) while his effort maintained itself. Over his career at UAA Charlie has established himself as a key player on critical faceoffs (winning more than his share). To cap off a decent career Charlie was named Captain this season and has assumed that role with great aplomb. Charlie has shown himself to be an excellent leader both on and off the ice. His efforts are keying what could become a special season for UAA as they've matched last years win total just 12 games into the season. The team looks up to him.
I've searched my UAA memory banks and can't come up with a walk-on that ever had as much impact as Cap'n Kronsch has had at UAA. Best walk-on player ever at UAA. I say so. But I also say that a kid that walked on and rose to a Captaincy in 4 years at a WCHA school is worthy of consideration for best walk-on player ever in all of D-I.
Charlie came to UAA after spending two years in the USHL with Tulsa then River City. In 115 games he scored 17 goals and had 13 assists. Not the sort of numbers that generate offers from D-I schools but Charlie didn't see himself giving up on hockey at that point. His dad played for CC in the late 70's. The grapevine went to work and UAA coaching staff invited Charlie to walk on.
In his first season, Charlie earned a spot and scored 9 goals with 13 assists. His second season saw similar numbers (9g-12a) and by that time he'd established himself as a solid two-way player. As it was for so many UAA players the 05-06 season saw his numbers dip to (4g-9a) while his effort maintained itself. Over his career at UAA Charlie has established himself as a key player on critical faceoffs (winning more than his share). To cap off a decent career Charlie was named Captain this season and has assumed that role with great aplomb. Charlie has shown himself to be an excellent leader both on and off the ice. His efforts are keying what could become a special season for UAA as they've matched last years win total just 12 games into the season. The team looks up to him.
I've searched my UAA memory banks and can't come up with a walk-on that ever had as much impact as Cap'n Kronsch has had at UAA. Best walk-on player ever at UAA. I say so. But I also say that a kid that walked on and rose to a Captaincy in 4 years at a WCHA school is worthy of consideration for best walk-on player ever in all of D-I.
3 comments:
Awesome story, didn't even know that Charlie was a walk on. I had noticed that the back issues of Heisenberg's list didn't have him on there, i guess that is why. He is a superb capt and leader for the team and what a way to get there.
He's still too metrosexual for me... :)
Also, I left you a comment back on Western College Hockey. Sorry, but you did sound a little bucky!! I'm thinking "uh, Donald...you guys just swept UND...you should still have the perma-grin going and giggle at the thought"
Even though Charlie was a walk on as a freshman, I believe he did earn scholarship $$ in subsequent years. And well deserved.
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