While only in his sophomore year of college, Tim Niedbalski has achieved more than most students who play ice hockey.
He still holds the record for most goals at his high school. He was a 4-year high school starter, a high school team captain and he played for the St. Louis Sting at the beginning of his freshman year at Saint Louis University. He also played for the Exeter Snowdevils on the east coast, became their leading scorer and is now the captain this season at SLU.
“Tim is an outstanding leader and a winner,” said coach John Bosch.
After playing with the Kirkwood Youth Organization in Kirkwood, Mo., Niedbalski played for DeSmet high school. He started all four years there and became captain as an upperclassman.
He was part of state championship teams and has scored more goals than any other DeSmet hockey player.
“Within the St. Louis area, most people in hockey know who Tim is,” Bosch said.
After graduating from DeSmet, Niedbalski debated playing at SLU. He had received a good academic scholarship, but he wanted to play with a Junior A team.
He went to play with the St. Louis Sting, now the Springfield Spirit, and was looking for possible Division 1 scholarships. Niedbalski wanted to play with an NCAA team.
In the fall of 1999, Niedbalski began his college career at SLU. He was taking a full load of classes while playing hockey, but was still considering playing for SLU. In the middle of November, he talked to Bosch and announced his decision to leave his other team to play for SLU. He played the second half of the season his freshman year.
“He was dominant in the games his freshman year, averaging three points per night,” Bosch said.
His freshman hockey season came to a close, and summer began. Niedbalski talked to Bosch about leaving SLU and putting his academic scholarship on hold for a year, so he could play for a higher league.
“It was faster and more physical there [on the east coast], and it slows down a lot here [at SLU]. But slowing it down helps because one sees it a lot better,” said Niedbalski.
In the fall of what would have been his second year at SLU, Niedbalski played on the east coast with the Exeter Junior A Snow Devils again with the intention of a Division I scholarship. He had opportunities to play with other teams, including Fairfield University, but SLU had offered him as much if not more money. He felt it was best for him to be back at SLU and play with the Billikens. He took his scholarship again and returned this fall.
“Tim represents his school well and brings a lot to the table. He has a good attitude and is a tremendous player,” Bosch said.
Although only a sophomore, Niedbalski is the team captain this year.
“Looking at the big picture, [the coaches] were looking down the road for someone who would be stable in this position. Tim has a lot of stability as an older sophomore who will be here longer than a senior would be,” Bosch said.
Niedbalski found out before he returned to SLU that he would be the team captain. He was a little nervous because he had not been here the season before and was not sure what to expect from those who were here last year.
“There isn’t really pressure on me as much as the whole team. It is more an honorary position than causing pressure,” Niedbalski said.
With support from his team, Niedbalski has proved himself to be a good captain. They agree that he is not the most vocal captain but sets the example and pace on the ice.
“Tim plays with skill and good decisions with the puck. It is more a subconscious thing; the team plays better when the captain plays better,” said freshman Matt Suyderhoud.
“It is working well [with Niedbalski as the captain] as he knows his way around the ice. He has a high level of hockey experience, which he brings to the team,” said senior assistant captain Matt Fischer.
“He has become tougher with more speed. He has a stronger leadership,” said Hirsch.
