September 21, 2016
By: Tyler Sgrignoli, TSCHL Lead Reporter - @TJSgrignoli

As we begin another TSCHL campaign, we will feature a few freshman to keep an eye out for the 2016-2017 season. Kicking off our Freshman Spotlight is Alex Schepflin. Alex is a speedy forward known for making plays. Look for him to make an impact for the Buckeyes right away.

2015 Stats for the Dublin Coffman Shamrocks
29 Games Played
19 Goals,
20 Assists
+/- Rating of +17

INTERVIEW

Q:  Let's go first impressions: You've had your first few practices with the team. What's your first impression of the team so far? How have the first few practices been? Are there any players in specific that have impressed you?
A: “First impression of the team has been that there is phenomenal leadership in the locker room. The older guys have really taken the initiative to make us feel welcome and part of the team. Mark Heneman, Peter Myeroff, Eric Sperli, and Taylor Farthing have struck me as great leaders and I look forward to learning from them. The talent on the team is definitely a step up. Adapting to the speed and physicality as well as learning from the older guys will be crucial during my first season. From the first few practices I noticed Nick Lavernchuk to be extremely talented."

Q: For teams and fans around the TSCHL who won't get to see you play for a little while, how would you describe your game?
A: “I like to play a fast game. Speed and quickness have set me apart from other players in the past and I hope to continue to progress my game in those aspects. I see myself as a playmaker and creating opportunities in the offensive zone.”

Q: What are some of your goals this year, both from a personal and team stance?
A: “This year I hope to learn about leadership from the upperclassmen. Looking forward to the future I am hoping to hold a leadership position within the program and this class has multiple leaders that I could learn a lot from. I’m looking forward to finding out my role on the team and finding out how I fit in. As a team the goal is to do better than last season. With our auto bid to nationals we have a bunch to look forward to. I am hoping to have a good showing at nationals and put Ohio State club hockey on the map.”

Q: Looking at your listed size at 5'9" 145 lbs, you're certainly not the biggest player out on the ice. You'll surely be going against competition that's a bit older and have an advantage in size. How ready do you feel to compete at the next level? Obviously size isn't everything, plenty of little guys excel in all leagues of hockey, but size/strength is often key when fending off defenders...is getting stronger something you have worked on coming into the season?
A: “I’m looking forward to adapting to the physicality and skill level of college hockey. With the size advantage i will always need to be cognizant of my surroundings and keep my head up. Using speed and agility will help move around some of the bigger slower guys. During the offseason I took working out and getting stronger very seriously. As I may not be given god given size I have done everything in my power to get in the gym and get stronger.”

Q: Is there any team either in or out of the TSCHL you are really looking forward to going up against?
A: “On our schedule I’m looking forward to playing against Ohio University. I’m excited to make the trip to Athens and play against some friends on the team.”

FILL IN THE BLANK

After my first year in the TSCHL I will have become a better leader and have furthered our progress in putting Ohio State on the club hockey map.

My biggest asset as a hockey player is my playmaking ability.

My NHL equivalent is Martin St. Louis.

My favorite all time player is Patrick Kane.

Besides hockey, I'm also passionate about politics.

​​[Graphic courtesy of Tyler Sgrignoli]