Hobbins serves Lakers as utility player

By LINDA BOUVET, LSSU Sports Information Director

Baseball purists often debate the proper way to give utility players their due. The NFL gives an award to top special teams players. Utility player Ryan Freel of the Chicago Cubs suggested some kind of tool belt for Major League Baseball.

What about the hockey player who can -- and will -- play any position?

Lake Superior State's utility player for the past three seasons has been junior Tyson Hobbins, who was recruited as a forward from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and has played almost an equal amount of time on defense for the Lakers. In fact, he scored his first collegiate goal as a defenseman against Minnesota-Duluth in 2008-09.

"Coming in, I didn't think I'd play any defense at this level," said Hobbins, who played center during LSSU's 2-1 victory over Bowling Green State on Dec. 4, but has been listed as a defenseman in five of 14 appearances this season... "Lately, it's been whoever's injured or not playing so well, and I fill their spot."

"There's no way I could do what he does," said junior defenseman Dillin Stonehouse, who is one of Hobbins' best friends. "Friday night he'll play defense, and Saturday he'll play forward after practicing all week as a defenseman. I couldn't do it, and I don't think many people on our team could."

Hobbins was first asked to move to the blue line when LSSU's defensive unit was short-handed due to a player quitting and an injury.

"I took it as another chance to get into the lineup," he recalled. "Coming back, Coach told me I'd have a chance to play defense on the power play...Last year was my first year to play a little bit on defense. Now, if need be, I slide back there and help them out." 

Versatility has been Hobbins' niche when it comes to breaking into the lineup. When he came to Lake Superior State, he knew he had to get stronger and improve his skating, but also understood that teams need good role players in order to win.

"I'd like to think I understood that as a freshman," Hobbins said. "I'd like to think I understand the game well. It takes depth to win, and everybody has a role. When this is the hand you're dealt, you have to make the most of it...If I miss a game, I try to not let that bother me, or else it snowballs. I try to be on top of my game every day."

"He's a good role player," Stonehouse said. "He does whatever it takes for the team to win. He works hard on and off the ice, and plays every position...He limits his mistakes, and is never a liability on the ice - whatever position he plays."

Hobbins, who totaled 2-8--10 as a sophomore, has two goals and three assists so far this season. His plus-minus rating has improved every year.

Hobbins was a house-league midget player when he was a 15-year-old living in Nipawin, Sask. He convinced his parents to make the 40-minute drive to Tisdale so he could move up to AA.

"I actually had to beg my parents to play midget AA the next year when I was 16," he said. "I played AAA (in Prince Albert) and some junior, then two more years as a junior."

Hobbins went on to lead the Junior A Nipawin Hawks in scoring in 2006-07.

"My parents gave me everything I needed to get better," Hobbins said. "From a coaching standpoint, my junior coach, Harry Sauter, got me here and had a big impact on my career."

Hobbins, while continuing to battle for a regular spot in the Lakers' lineup, noted that the team's six-game unbeaten streak is the payoff from experience, depth and lessons learned from last year's close losses.

"All individual goals come with team success," he said. "I'm not really worried about points too much. I want a chance to play every game. That's been my focus the last two years, but ultimately it's about getting the win."