By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcon hockey team brings a tough squad into the 2005 season.   Senior Nate Hansen plays a huge roll on both offense and defense.

After being signed up to play hockey for the first time at the age of three, Hansen fell in love with the game.

Hansen tested out every position there was to play in hockey except forgoalie and has yet to settle on a permanent position. He has played on both forward and defense this season.

"Nate is a tough player and plays way above his size," Falcon Coach Steve Freeman said of the 6-0, 185 pounder.

Hansen has two younger brothers who he competed with as he grew up.

"There was definitely a sibling rivalry there, we made each other stronger."

One of Hansen's favorite memories from his childhood was when he and his brothers would play late at night on their outdoor rink built by their Dad. They would have to pull a car up to the rink and turn the headlights on for light.

Hansen grew up in Austin, Minn., and was a dominant force on the hockey team for the Packers. He once recorded six goals in one game. Hansen also participated in golf and baseball for Austin.

By the end of his high school hockey career, Hansen had been named to the all-conference and all-state honorable mention teams.

After playing hockey in high school, Hansen moved onto juniors where he competed for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL.

Hansen recording stellar stats at juniors and was recruited by UW-River Falls. He chose to become a Falcon because of the schools location and the history of the program. Hansen has played consistently since his debut in 2002.

"He's a solid player and is one of the most dependable players we have," Freeman said.

Hansen has recorded 19 career points for River Falls and looks to improve on that number in his final season. He is not only dependable on the ice; Hansen is also great in the classroom. Hansen was named to the WIAC Honor Roll following the 2003 season.

"My favorite hockey memory from River Falls was when I scored the game winning goal in the NCAA quarterfinal game against St. John's my freshman year," said Hansen. That goal advanced the Falcons to the Frozen Four - a situation the Falcons would like to find themselves in again in 2006.

In his spare time Hansen enjoys playing golf, skateboarding, and playing poker. In the summer he likes to take advantage of the warm weather and spend time at the beach.

Hansen's favorite NHL player is Keith Ballard who plays defense for the Phoenix Coyotes. Hansen was able to play against him in high school because Ballard is from Baudette, Minn.

Hansen looks to graduate after next year with a major in history.   History has been his major throughout his stay in River Falls. After graduating River Falls Hansen wants to go to law school. He will miss hanging out with his teammates when he is done with hockey.

Nate Hansen