Jared Sailer

By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

Jared Sailer is one of only two seniors on this year's Falcon hockey team and he looks to be a leader on and off the ice.  

"We are a deeper than we have ever been since I have been here," said Sailer. "It is a good head to toe team. It's nice being a senior this year because the leadership role comes into play and we can help the young guys out. They are fitting in really well with this team."

At the age of four, Sailer laced up his first hockey skates and has never looked back.  

After realizing hockey was his calling, Sailer eventually went on to play junior hockey for Fernie of the AWHL. It was there he met now Falcon teammate Tyler Kostiuk and improved his game immensely. In 2003, Sailer led the league in goals with 46. He finished with 36 helpers.

"We've played a lot together," said Sailer of Kostiuk. "We definitely made freshman year easy by living together and we still live together, we don't get into too many fights."

Fernie won a championship during Sailer's tenure with the team and that was a big accomplishment. "The highlight from Fernie was definitely winning the championship," said Sailer.

With his hefty stat line and winning attitude, Sailer was easily named to the AWHL's first All-Star team. He also earned the team's co-Most Valuable Player award.  

UW-River Falls Coach Steve Freeman saw Sailer's talent and pursued the savvy goal scorer. Sailer has been a great addition to the Falcons.  

"Jared is a very strong player," said Freeman. "He is a leader on the ice and it is definitely evident that he has taken on that role."

In his first collegiate season he netted four goals and had two assists. The Falcons made the NCAA playoffs during Sailor's freshman year and he has always wanted to get back to that tournament.

Sailer proved during his sophomore season that his freshman year was no fluke. The forward banged home six goals and five assists to help the Falcons to a 17-9-2 record.  

Last season Sailer continued to make an impact on the Falcons. The junior put home four goals and assisted on five to tally nine points. River Falls finished 17-7-3 on the year.  

So far in the 2006-07 campaign, the Falcons are 3-1 and going strong. Sailer has played in two games and has yet to crack the box score. Don't plan on this being the case all season as Sailer is an offensive force.  

Sailer enjoys doing many other things other than playing hockey. He likes to read, play video games, and golf in his spare time.  

"Jared always gives us a strong effort," said Freeman. "We can count on him to do whatever we need him to do."

Sailer is majoring in marketing and will graduate following the season.  

Sailer plans on taking some time off and eventually getting into the business world either in Minneapolis or back home in Canada.

"I'll definitely miss the hockey," said Sailer of what he will miss following graduation. "You never know how much more hockey you're going to be playing. This could be the last year and we will go from there."