Having been recognized as a scholar-athlete at Ohio State University in each of the last two seasons and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree last year, it seems fitting that the primary strength in David Gust’s game can be found under his scarlet and gray helmet.
“I’m a very smart hockey player,” Gust said. “And I’m able to make smart decisions with the puck.
“That’s something I’ve had my whole life. I’ve always been told that I’ve been a smart hockey player, and that’s developed every year by learning through experience.”
The Orland Park resident has combined that intelligence with his impressive skill set to begin the 2015-16 season in a strong manner.
Gust, a junior left winger, was named the Big Ten’s Fiirst Star for the week ending Nov. 17. He produced five points as the Buckeyes swept a two-game nonconference series from visiting Canisius. This is the first time in Gust’s career he has been honored.
“It’s great to get mentioned for one of the better weekends I’ve had in my college career so far,” Gust said. “And it also was humbling to win the award. Hopefully, I’ll have more weekends like that in my career.”
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In Ohio State’s 4-1 victory over the Golden Griffins, Gust tied a career high with two assists. One night later in a 6-4 win, the 2012 Marist graduate had the first three-point game of his career, scoring a goal and assisting on two others. Gust also was plus-3 for the series.
“I have a pass-first mentality as the style I play,” Gust said. “You have to have that vision on the ice. You have to be able to find guys and then play with guys who are capable of putting the puck in the net when given the chance.”
Gust, who credits skating sessions last summer with Darren McClusky at Arctic Ice Arena in Orland Park for helping him hone his skills, has two goals and 10 assists through the first 12 games of the season.
Gust leads the Buckeyes (3-9) in assists and is second in points (12). He is tied with five others for the Big Ten lead in assists. Ohio State began conference play with a pair of road games against Minnesota this weekend.
“It’s pretty cool to see that (leading the Big Ten in assists), but at the end of the day, it all comes down to team stats,” Gust said. “I’m more focused on the team stats than on the individual ones because we’re not where we want to be right now.
“The first half of the season didn’t go as well as planned, but we’re getting involved in league play, so the real season starts now. These are points that are crucial to pick up every weekend.”
Wis.-Platteville football: Lincoln-Way North graduate and Tinley Park resident Donnie Rydzewski was one of 13 football players who were named all-conference for Wisconsin-Platteville. The sophomore right guard was honorable mention as Platteville (8-2) averaged 38.1 points.
SIU football: Lockport grad Billy Reed was selected to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Academic first team with a 3.85 GPA. On the field, the junior wide receiver led the Salukis with 56 catches for 805 yards and five touchdowns.
Bethel women’s soccer: Julia Perkins (Andrew) was named honorable mention all-conference in women’s soccer. The senior defender and Tinley Park resident, who appeared in 13 matches this season, tallied two goals.
Mike Walsh is a freelance writer for the Daily Southtown.