By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcon men's hockey team looks to remain a top team in the NCHA and the NCAA Div. III and aiding them is a two headed monster in Aaron Venasky.

Venasky joined the team in 2003 and has been a solid player for the Falcons ever since.

 "Aaron's willing to do whatever is needed of him to help the team win,"Falcon Coach Steve Freeman said.

Venasky was born in Edmonton, Alta., where he was able to grow up watching the NHL Edmonton Oilers while they were in their prime. Venasky grew up with his parents and a younger brother.

Influenced by his Dad, Venasky started playing hockey around the age of three and got into competitive hockey by the age of five. Venasky followed NHL great Wayne Gretzky as he grew up and tried to model his play after the star.

Venasky also played football, baseball and soccer but none caught his attention like hockey.

"I knew right away that I wanted to play hockey. Growing up I loved watching and playing the game and it grew on me," said Venasky in an interview last week.

Once Venasky reached high school, he was playing hockey for Apple Valley, Minn., where he had a very successful career.

"I'll always remember my first goal in high school coming against Red Wing - the year they won the Minnesota State Championship."

After high school, Venasky went on to juniors to play for Sioux City of the USHL before playing for and becoming captain of the Billings Bulls of the AWHL.

As a Bull, Venasky tallied an impressive 54 points that included 29 goals.   After the outstanding point total, Venasky was named an AWHL-USA Hockey Top Prospect.

Following his great experience in juniors, River Falls was Venasky's next stop.   River Falls was his top choice of schools due to the quality and tradition of the program and how close it is to the Twin Cities.

"When we beat St. Norbert at home a couple years back would have to be my greatest memory. Every home game is also memorable because of the facilities provided, it's something else."

So far this season, Venasky has recorded two goals to go along with three assists. His five points this season increases his career Falcon point total to 20.

Venasky feels that the big difference between his first year as a Falconand this season is the incredible depth River Falls has now. That depth makes up for the lack of experience on this year's team, according to the 6-0, 210 pounder.

"The league is much more balanced this season and anyone can win," says Venasky.

Venasky is planning on graduating in May 2007 with a major in finance. The biggest thing he will take away from River Falls is all the friends he has made.

When asked of his goal for the team Venasky responded, "I came here to win a National Championship and I'm hoping we can achieve that goal within my final two years here. The first goal for us as a team is to win the NCHA championship."

Aaron Venasky