Bursich uses size, strength to make statement during Icers' championship bid

By KEVIN BRICKER
Collegian Staff Writer

When he first learned how to skate, Ed Bursich used double-bladed skates to give his little 5-year-old legs extra support on the slick ice.

But the right winger for the No. 2 Penn State men's ice hockey team has long since outgrown the need for skating's equivalent of training wheels. A self-proclaimed lead-by-example bruising forward, Bursich could probably use the novice skates to provide a stronger foundation for what he tries to establish on the ice.

"I like to take the guys, put them on my back and take the lead," Bursich said.

With 10 seniors on the squad, Bursich has found his leadership niche. He won't give teammates tongue-lashing tirades. He doesn't specialize in boisterous, emotional pregame speeches. The 6-foot, 210-pound Bursich let's his play speak for itself.

He likes to hit the audience with his statement early.

"I always want to go out and set the tempo of the game," Bursich said. "Right from the faceoff I like to hit a guy and set the tempo."

Like his impatience to unleash the game's first check, Bursich came to Penn State because he wanted to play immediately. He had offers to play at Div. I schools but would have sat on the bench, waiting his turn to contribute. His wish was granted as he played in 17 games his freshman year.

Since coming to Penn State, Bursich, 22, has made physical conditioning a priority. He said he religiously trains during the summer and makes strength training a major concern during the season.

For him, raw physical strength is a means to an end.

"The guy's a horse," goaltender John Sixt said of Bursich. "He's got really good speed for his size and I think his real strength is going in and killing people."

Physical play has been Bursich's forte since he began playing. From junior hockey through high school, the Phoenixville native always felt obligated to exert his presence.

He's never shied away from a leadership role, either. Bursich captained Malvern Prep and was honored with the team MVP award his senior year of high school.

This season Bursich notched career highs in assists (28), points (43) and games played (29) while skating on power-play and penalty-killing units. He owns an outstanding plus-29 rating and his 15 goals give him 43 for his career.

Competitive hockey entered Bursich's life when he was 5. His father, Ed Sr., saw an advertisement in a local newspaper seeking youngsters to join the Pottstown Penguins. The younger Bursich jumped at the opportunity and has been pounding opponents ever since.

Although he has never strapped on a pair of skates, Ed Sr. is a die-hard hockey fan -- particularly of his son. From the Pottstown Penguins to the Haverford Hawks to the Little Flyers to Malvern Prep and now to the Icers, the elder Bursich has tried to witness every slap shot.

After his son graduates from the Penn State hockey program this year, Ed Sr. will miss the three-hour drive from his home to Happy Valley.

"It's just been a wonderful experience following Eddie around, since he's been playing since he's been 5 years old," Ed Sr. said. "I'm going to have withdraw after this year's over. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself."

Perhaps father and son will watch more Philadelphia Flyers' games together, a passion they both share. Or when football season arrives in Philly, they can scream at the TV about the Eagles' offensive ineptitude.

The younger Bursich, a commercial management major, tries to duplicate the dedication with which his father has kept track of his playing career. His parents have been role models his entire life.

"I've always tried to follow my father's work ethic," Bursich said. "And my mother has always taught me the morally right thing to do."

No matter what Bursich decides on his future, one thing is almost certain -- it will involve hockey. Whether playing professional hockey or managing or building ice rinks, Bursich's world will continue to revolve around the sport.

"He talks about maybe playing at the next level -- minor league hockey -- and I think he can do it," Ed Sr. said. "It just depends if he wants to make the commitment."

Bursich has already committed to doing all he can to assure the Icers repeat as ACHA champs.