The UW Men's hockey team is currently ranked third in the country with a young squad that promises to only get better. Their roster includes eight freshmen and ten sophomores, including sophomore forward Robbie Earl. The Los Angeles native is currently in the middle of an eight-game scoring streak and his intense style of play has created opportunities for the rest of his teammates.
Much of the Badgers' success this season comes as a result of the play of their first line, the line coach Troy Ward called the team's \go-to line."" This is something in which Earl takes a lot of pride.
""In that third period in Saturday's game, our line took it upon ourselves to produce and turn the game around and obviously we take pride in that, but it was definitely a team effort,"" Earl said.
The chemistry between freshman forward Joe Pavelski and Earl is something head coach Mike Eaves does not take for granted.
""In the game of hockey you can't do things by yourself, you need to be able to give the puck, get to space and get it back,"" Eaves said. ""[Earl and Pavelski] have some magic and then you throw that other line mate in there, Adam Burish, who creates space with his energy and speed and he gives those guys room to operate. Then you've got something very exciting.""
Earl has an uncanny ability to create space around himself on the ice, making opportunities for both himself and his teammates. This knack would seem to be the reason he is currently the points leader on the Badgers' roster. But for Earl and teammates, the team is their top priority.
""[The scoring streak] lets me know I'm being consistent. That's the biggest part coming out every night; my role is to produce points. Eight games straight is great, but if we're winning I don't care if I score.""
This consistency of game play is remarkable, especially when taking into account Earl is only a sophomore. But he is unfazed by his accomplishments-he seems to have expected nothing less than what he's achieved.
""I don't really look at myself as a young player on the team. I want to be a leader and I must have the mindset that it doesn't matter if you're a freshman or sophomore,"" said Earl. ""If you have the talent and you have the chance to produce, you've got to produce when the opportunity comes.""
Earl seems to be oblivious to the fact he is the team's leader in both points and goals scored this season. The rest of his resume includes averaging 1.15 points per game, a second round as a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award-something he claims is ""no big deal""-, numerous SportsCenter highlights, the first hat trick in the Kohl Center, the Insidecollegehockey.com's National Player of the Week and was drafted in the sixth round by the Toronto Maple Leafs. But Earl seems to believe that these achievements are all just a result of his style of play and role on the team.
""My style is to score goals. That's how I fit in this team,"" said Earl.
Outside of hockey, Earl is a normal college sophomore. He likes to lounge around and has quirks just like anybody else. He has a hobby in common with at least half of the UW students.
""I'm a couch guy. I just like to sit down and watch TV and do nothing,"" he said.
He also unabashedly admits to being a habitual watcher of ""The OC""
""Every Thursday night we have an 'OC' gathering. [It] is a good show.""
As far as other guilty pleasures, Earl confesses to one.
""I love to sleep through 8:50 classes at last once a week.""
Despite this vice, when it comes to hockey Earl is all business.
""Nothing's going to happen if you don't play hard.""
