RILEY WESELOWSKI
Bemidji State
Jr. | D | Pilot Mound, Manitoba
Weselowski played 16 more games and recorded 19
more points last season than he did as a freshman.
Key Statistics: The Beavers'
seventh defenseman as a freshman, Weselowski scored
one assist in 21 games during his rookie campaign. Last
year, he charted two goals and 18 assists in 37 games.
Among CHA blueliners, he ranked third behind teammate
Andrew Martens and Wayne State's Steve Kovalchik.
What He Does: Weselowski
made the leap from a role player to the Beavers' no.
2 defenseman last season after spending the previous
summer in Bemidji getting stronger – physically
and mentally. "When a kid sees that transformation
in his body," BSU head coach Tom Serratore said,
"it's good for the confidence." True that,
as the native of Pilot Mound, Manitoba (the hometown
of Hockey Hall of Famer Black Jack Stewart) displayed
an all-around game that should make him the cornerstone
of the Beavers' blue line for the next two years.
The Bigger Picture:
Serratore says Weselowski is a "second-wave defenseman"
who likes to join in the rush when the opportunity arises,
skates well, makes smart plays and is a great defender.
Given the career arc that BSU players normally travel
– check the team's statistics from the last half-dozen
or so years, and you'll note that the majority of them
peak as juniors and seniors – Weselowski's best
days appear to be ahead. If he can improve his shot,
which is a focal point of his preparations this off-season,
"it's almost like he's the total package,"
Serratore says.
Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore
on Weselowski: "Our program is geared
toward upperclassmen. Typically, it's a waiting game
until maturation sets in. Riley stayed back and worked
on his strength and elevated his game. Now, we're hoping
he takes the next step.”
