Justin Rucinski has played hockey since age four.

Despite having what other people may perceive as better options, he now plays on NIU’ Division II men’s hockey team.

Rucinski, who spent part of last year on the Chicago Hitmen, a Junior A Tier II team, came to NIU instead of possibly playing in the United States Hockey League, which is the highest level of junior hockey in the U.S.

“I love the sport,” Rucinski said. “I enjoy it a lot, obviously. And I would much rather have fun playing hockey with my friends rather than go and make a career out of it.”

It hasn’t taken Rucinski much time to adjust to college hockey. Through 13 games, he has racked up 21 points, 10 goals and 11 assists.

Rucinski said the speed of college hockey was surprisingly slower then the pace he was used to, and he said he still getting used to it.

“It’s quite different,” Rucinski said. “I’m still trying to get used to it right now. But I think if I help out my team with the speed of the game and try and make them make decisions quicker…we’ll be better as a whole.”

At the start of the season, Rucinski said he expected a lot from himself and the team.

“I expected to get better as an individual and contribute all my knowledge and past experiences from my youth hockey to the team and help the team grow,” Rucinski said.

Grad student Mike Strumberger had strong words when asked about Rucinski’s presence on the team.

“Justin’s probably one of the best players to ever come through NIU,” Strumberger said. “He brings you speed, great hands, [a] good shot and basically great passing ability. So he’s a great all-around player.”

Strumberger said having someone of Justin’s skill level shows that the program is headed in the right direction.

“He played juniors before coming this year, so definitely when other players are looking to go to school and they see that we have some junior players on our team, that definitely helps out to bring more talented guys into the program,” Strumberger said.

Having a player of Rucinski’s caliber is also helpful to his teammates.

“Even if you’re having a bad game, pretty much Justin’s the kind of kid that can help you have a good game because he’s that talented,” Strumberger said.