By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcons men's hockey team looks to make a run in the second half of the season and Joe Tiberio will be aiding the effort up front.  

Influenced by both his parents and his uncle, Tiberio was faced with an up hill battle of playing hockey in Arizona, a state where the sport was not commonly played.  

Tiberio is only able to go home over Christmas and Spring Break due to the long distance from River Falls. His family has been able to make it up for a few games to watch Tiberio play which has been a good experience.  

"My parents definitely stuck with me the whole way through and supported my hockey in a place where not many people play hockey," said Tiberio.

Tiberio grew up in Mesa, Ariz., and started playing hockey at the age of six. After high school, Tiberio moved on to play for the Bismarck Bobcats of the AWHL.  

While growing up, Tiberio's favorite memory from his childhood was when he was in squirt hockey and he got to play an exhibition game during a period break of a Phoenix Roadrunner hockey game.   Tiberio was the only one to score a goal in front of the capacity crowd.

Tiberio helped lead the team to their first appearance in the junior national tournament that proved to be his favorite memory of juniors.  

Tiberio recorded 19 goals and 11 assists that season and also gained a lot of hockey experience.  

After great success at the junior level, UW-River Falls became interested in Tiberio. Falcon Coach Steve Freeman went to North Dakota and Tiberio listened.  

"I came and visited River Falls and I really liked the school and the program," said Tiberio.

Tiberio joined the Falcons in 2003 and recorded a goal in his first collegiate game. He went on to record two goals for the season, both being game winners, to go along with his two assists.  

In his second season in a River Falls jersey, Tiberio increased his scoring to four goals and also tacked on an assist.

"The highlight of last season would have to be when we beat Superior during the regular season."   The Falcons knocked off Superior 2-0.

This season, Tiberio has tallied one goal and three assists and looks to make a run in the second half of the season.

"As a team, we are looking to make it to the NCAA tournament and for myself I hope to improve my play and put more pucks in the net."

In his spare time Tiberio enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting.  "I just basically like to have a good time and hang out," Tiberio said.       

Tiberio has one more year of eligibility following this season and looks to improve his play and help the Falcons to a championship.   

Joe Tiberio