Sophomore forward Michael Gillespie scored his first career goal as a Laker this past Saturday during the Lakers’ 3-1 win against SUNY Cortland.

This is Gillespie’s first year as a Laker after playing Div. I hockey at Ohio State in the 2015-2016 season. Gillespie scored one goal in eight career games as a Buckeye. After playing one season for the Buckeyes, he decided to go back to juniors and join the Lincoln Stars of the United State Hockey League.

“I wasn’t feeling that my game was taking me off to where I wanted to go,” Gillespie said on why he left Ohio State. “I feel like I needed a different spot and a different change. The opportunity to go back to juniors and find another school that would fit my play and help me develop was my option, and that’s how I ended up here.”

Gillespie played for Lincoln in 2014-2015 before playing for Ohio State. He scored 34 points in 59 games during the 2015 season, which was tied for the team lead that year. Following his stint with Ohio State, Gillespie was back in Lincoln to improve his game and search for a Div. III school that was the right fit for him. In his two seasons with Lincoln since playing for Ohio State, Gillespie scored 37 points in the 65 total games he appeared in. After those two years with Lincoln, Gillespie decided that he wanted to go Div. III and play at Oswego State.

“It’s been a little different [playing at Oswego State], but the guys have really helped out with the change,” Gillespie said. “The chemistry in our locker room, I feel, has been a lot better, and we’re a lot closer of a group. I’ve got a good opportunity here at Oswego and I’m making the best of it right now.”

Before coming to Oswego State, Gillespie played in two of the toughest hockey leagues for his age group. Head coach Ed Gosek believes that Gillespie’s decision to play in Div. I and play in one of the top junior leagues, the USHL, has helped him improve as a player.

“He was in Ohio State, and those are good experiences for him to compare and have some taste of college hockey,” Gosek said. “The USHL is arguably the best league in the United States, so playing a lot of minutes in that league has certainly helped prepare him for here.”

Gillespie has wasted little time making an impact on this Lakers team. After scoring against SUNY Cortland Saturday, Gillespie has now recorded a point in each of his last two games. Gosek had an idea for what he wanted Gillespie’s role to be on the ice when he brought him into the fold, and he is been impressed with his attitude and ability to coach so far.

“We envisioned him being on the power play, and he’s done a good job on there. We’ve envisioned him trying to get in with a couple of guys that can create turnovers and get in the puck,” Gosek said. “We’re certainly pleased with what he’s bringing to our team. Good skill set, good work ethic and he fits in with our philosophy of team play.”

One of the reasons Gillespie is playing so well is because he is comfortable with everybody on the team. From day one, he felt welcomed and he enjoys the bond he has with his new teammates.

“Everything’s been perfect. Everything’s been great,” said Gillespie about fitting in with his new team. “The guys welcomed me once I came in. There’s no groups. We’re all brothers in here, so it’s really good to see that in a locker room. That’s what you need in a locker room to  make a successful team.”

After his experiences playing both Div. I and juniors, Gillespie just wants to help the Lakers in any way that he can.

“I just want to make plays out there and help my line mates out,” Gillespie said. “I’m gonna do whatever I have to to help the team win.”

Graphic by: Rachel Futterman | The Oswegonian