Tyler Kostiuk

By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

Every new hockey season brings a different group of men together with goals of a National Championship. Falcon senior Tyler Kostiuk has been a constant on the Falcons for the past four seasons.  

"This is a new team that is assembled this year," said the 5-10 forward. "Every year you go into a new season with new guys and returning guys, you feel really revamped and excited to play."

This excitement for the game has always been a constant in Kostiuk's life.

Kostiuk grew up in Cranbrook, B.C., and learned the game from his two brothers. There was a hockey rink in the backyard and Kostiuk was part of it. Every moment of free time was spent cutting up the ice and handling the puck.

All the hard work and effort paid off as Kostiuk jumped into junior hockey with Fernie of the AWHL.

With Fernie, Kostiuk played brilliantly. He met then Fernie teammate and now Falcon teammate Jared Sailor and formed a bond. The start of juniors was a learning experience for Kostiuk and he was forced to learn fast. As an 18-year-old rookie, Kostiuk's team made it to the National Championship Tournament.

Kostiuk did not break out until his second season where he put in 19 goals and led the league with 61 assists.  

Both Kostiuk and Sailor were recruited by Falcon Head Coach Steve Freeman and Assistant Coach Bob Ritzer. They both made the decision to be Falcons and the rest is history.  

In his freshman season with the Falcons, Kostiuk recorded six goals and eight assists.   Three of his goals came on the power play and one was a game winner.  

Kostiuk's second season with the Falcons saw him assist on four goals. Although it was a down year statistically, Kostiuk's presence was felt with his physical play and crafty puck handling skills.

"Tyler has great vision on the ice," said Freeman. "He can move the puck with the best of them and he is a leader out there for our team."

Last season, Kostiuk banged home eight goals and five assists. His play greatly improved from his freshman year and he became an offensive threat for the Falcons.  

"I like to pass the puck and find open guys," said Kostiuk.

A National Championship is in the mind of Kostiuk and he looks to play consistently and help the team win.  

This season Kostiuk found the net in the team's second game of the year against Lawrence University. Kostiuk's score came 18:23 into the second period and helped River Falls to a 6-4 victory.  

Kostiuk was asked if his role has changed from last year to this season.

"I don't really think that my role has changed that much except that I am one of two seniors so I have more of a leadership role."

Away from hockey, Kostiuk enjoys fishing with his friends and playing golf.  

Kostiuk is majoring in marketing communications and will graduate this year.  

"I am going to take over my dad's business with my two brothers," said Kostiuk when asked what he planned to do after graduation.