Sports
Former Bobcat Alex Vazquez Makes Professional Hockey Debut
By: Nate Moore
Posted on:
Former Ohio defender Alex Vazquez made his professional hockey debut with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the Southern Professional Hockey League last Friday. The ex-Bobcat made his debut one to remember as he netted his first career goal the same night.
Vazquez, who attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Ohio University, has always made the goal of playing professional hockey a priority throughout his career. Born in Detroit, home of the NHL powerhouse Detroit Red Wings, hockey has been around Vazquez’s since birth and lead up to him making a close bond with Ohio head coach Sean Hogan.
Vazquez and Hogan made their first connection through a small junior team in rural Wyoming and have remained close ever since. When it came time for Alex to decide where to transfer to after he choose to leave Arizona, Vazquez considered a wide range of options including Division III schools. When all was said and done, the connection and familiarity Vazquez had with coach Hogan and his playing style led him towards Ohio.
Coach Hogan had nothing but positives to say when asked about the defender’s debut this past weekend.
“This is an example of a player dedicated to his own development. Alex has been working hard for years attending professional free agent camps and reaching out to professional teams,” he said. “His hard work is coming to fruition, and he’s making the most of his opportunities.”
The Yard Dawgs’ next matchup is against the Knoxville Ice Bears on Wednesday.
With the Yard Dawgs’ season carrying along, make sure to keep up with Vazquez’s progression as he looks to improve on what was already a great debut.