Wittenbach Scores Hat Trick: Hockey is My Calling!

Wittenbach Scores Hat Trick: Hockey is My Calling!

Quinnipiac freshman Ethan Wittenbach isn’t just playing hockey; he’s living it. The 19-year-old forward exploded onto the scene, notching a hat trick and proving that for him, this sport is more than a game – it’s a true calling.

From Tummy Time to Top Talent

Wittenbach’s love for hockey started practically from birth. His dad, Andrew, recalls Ethan having a mini hockey stick during tummy time as an infant. By the age of two or three, he was already on skates. His father, seeing Ethan’s deep passion, made sure he was on the ice as soon as possible.

This dedication quickly turned their living room into a hockey shrine, with a goal often serving as the main piece of furniture. The family’s commitment to the sport reached a new level in 2015 when Andrew left his marketing job in New York City. He built and managed a sports complex on Long Island, complete with an ice rink, just minutes from their home.

Keys to the Rink, Keys to Success

The rink’s grand opening coincided with Ethan’s 9th birthday, a day marked by his uncontainable smile. He spent countless hours there, especially during summers. “Dad, can you bring me to the rink and go skate for an hour?” was a frequent request. His dad, who coached him his whole life, would often join him on the ice, passing pucks and honing Ethan’s skills.

Wittenbach even has the keys to the rink in his car. “So, you’re just bored and you got nothing going on and tell my friends, ‘Hey, meet me at the rink,’ and stay there all night and just skate whenever,” he explained. This all-access pass meant he could practice day and night, fueling his rapid development.

A Rivalry Ignored for a Dream

Wittenbach’s talent made him a standout at every level, from the Long Island Gulls to the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL. Now at Quinnipiac, he’s making waves. This choice was notable given his family’s strong ties to another ECAC powerhouse, Cornell, where his father and brothers played.

Despite Quinnipiac and Cornell being fierce rivals, Ethan chose the Bobcats. “We do not like Cornell,” Wittenbach stated firmly. His father had always advised against Cornell, believing its style of play wasn’t a good fit for Ethan. This decision shows Wittenbach’s focus on finding the best place for his game, not just following family tradition.

An Artist on the Ice

Coach Rand Pecnold at Quinnipiac recognized Wittenbach’s potential. “His ability to finish plays is something that you just can’t teach,” Pecnold said. “His timing, his shot, his passing accuracy, like you can’t teach what he does.” Wittenbach himself feels college hockey, especially under Pecnold, has been the best choice he could have made.

The coach encourages his team to be aggressive shooters. “Don’t be afraid not to shoot. I think we’re everyone is being really cute. Let’s be shooters,” Pecnold urged. Wittenbach embodies this, as seen in his spectacular goals. One commentator exclaimed, “OH MY GOD, WHAT A GOAL BY WHITTENBUCK. OH, THAT’S FILTHY.” This flair for the dramatic and skillful play sets him apart.

Commitment Beyond Compare

Wittenbach’s dedication is legendary. Even now, he rarely leaves the rink. One coach found him sleeping on the couch at the rink early one morning, arriving hours before an 11:25 a.m. practice. “Who’s sleeping on the couch?” the coach asked, only to find Wittenbach. “Dude, what are you doing here this early?” he questioned, to which Wittenbach simply responded about a forgotten reason.

“He’s just he’s uh he’s very committed,” the coach added. This intense focus stems from his belief that “Every single thing in my life revolves around hockey and that’s how I want it to be.” While others might leave the rink and want to forget about hockey, Wittenbach lives and breathes it.

Chasing a National Title

Looking ahead, Wittenbach’s goals are clear. “Winning a national championship,” he stated when asked about success for Quinnipiac this season. He believes that with the right confidence heading into the NCAA tournament, Quinnipiac is a team no one will want to face.

Ethan Wittenbach’s journey from a toddler with a mini stick to a college star scoring hat tricks highlights a profound dedication. His story shows that for some athletes, hockey isn’t just a game; it’s their entire world, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to reach the very top.

Source: Quinnipiac's Ethan Wyttenbach says hockey isn't just a game 🗣️ 'IT'S MY CALLING' | Game On (YouTube)